Grants are “gift aid.” They do not require repayment unless you fail to meet the conditions for the aid you receive. See Eligibility and Conditions.

For the best chance of receiving a grant, apply by the priority financial aid deadline in the academic calendar. Grants (except Pell grants) are awarded only as long as funds are available each year. Note that grants often cover tuition and fees, but they rarely cover all living expenses.

For instructions on applying, see each grant below.

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Washington State Need Grant
• Cascadia Grant
• Opportunity Grant
• Worker Retraining
• WorkFirst for Low-Income Parents
• Veterans’ Education Benefits
• Parking and Bus Pass Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The federal government funds Pell Grants to undergraduate students at any enrollment level (full time or less). You must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must not have graduated with a 4-year or higher degree.
• You must show financial need on the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) (see How to Apply).
• You must meet all eligibility requirements (see Eligibility and Conditions).

A Pell Grant is considered the foundation of a student's financial aid award.

To apply: See How to Apply.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The federal government funds Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) to the neediest recipients of Pell Grants.

To apply: See How to Apply.

Washington State Need Grant

The state of Washington funds Need Grants to low-income and middle-income students who meet Washington state residency requirements. Students at any enrollment level (full time or less) are eligible, but grants for students enrolled less than half time, but at least three credits, are limited. You must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be a resident of the state of Washington in accordance with state law (RCW 28B.15.011-013).
2. You must be registered at Cascadia Community College as an undergraduate student, and you must make satisfactory progress toward completion of your degree or program objective.
3. You must not owe a refund or repayment on a state Need Grant, a federal Pell Grant, or a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), nor may you be in default on a loan under the federal Perkins Loan, National Direct Student Loan, Federal Family Educational Loan, or William D. Ford Federal Loan programs.
4. State need grant awards are limited to a maximum of 15 full-time quarters. You may only receive the state need grant at Cascadia Community College if you have not received a bachelor’s degree and/or if 5 years have elapsed since you received an associate degree for which you were awarded state need grant funds. In either case, you must be within 125% of the standard length of your enrolled program to remain eligible for a state need grant.

Additionally, when you can afford it, you can voluntarily make financial contributions to the Higher Education Coordinating Board in recognition of this state need grant. Your contributions will be used to provide financial aid to other students.

To apply: See How to Apply.

Cascadia Grant

To qualify for a Cascadia Grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must show exceptional need.
• You must meet Washington state residency requirements.
• You must be enrolled for at least three credits.

To apply: See How to Apply.

Opportunity Grant

The state of Washington funds Opportunity Grants to support low-income adults in entering specific high-wage, high-demand careers. These careers provide a minimum beginning wage of $13 per hour in Washington state and $15 per hour in King County.

The Opportunity Grant covers tuition for short-term programs (up to 45 credits), some fees, and some books and supplies. In addition, the program provides individual student support services that may include a single point of contact, one-on-one tutoring, career advising, college success classes, emergency child care, or emergency transportation.

You must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must meet Washington state residency requirements.
• You must enroll in one of the programs listed on the opportunity grant application form.
• Your family income must be equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level as shown on the Opportunity Grant application form.  

To apply: Contact admissions@cascadia.edu and complete the application form:

• Opportunity Grant application form 2012-2013  [Fillable PDF]

Worker Retraining

The Worker Retraining program provides free training to unemployed workers, workers in danger of unemployment, and displaced workers.

To apply: See Worker Retraining

WorkFirst for Low-Income Parents

WorkFirst provides aid to low-income parents.

To apply: See WorkFirst for Low-Income Parents.

Veterans' Benefits

Aid is available to qualifying veterans and their families.

To apply: See Veterans' Education Benefits.

Parking and Bus Pass Grants

The Cascadia Community College Foundation supports 2 types of small grants for parking and bus passes. For details, contact the individual department that administers the grant.

• For students who are registered in designated Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses and English as a Second Language (ESL): Contact the adult basic education office to ask about an application.
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• For students in Worker Retraining: Contact the workforce resource center for an application.