Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant program helps low-income Washington residents learn skills and complete a certificate for a high-wage, high-demand career.
Opportunity Grant Information
- Potential funding (for up to 45 credits) of school-related expenses, including:
- tuition
- course fees
- textbooks
- Education planning to help you efficiently complete your program of study
- Advising to address barriers to academic or personal success
- Help navigating college processes and services
- Referrals to community and college resources
You may be eligible for the Opportunity Grant if:
- You have been a Washington State resident for the past year.
- You do not already have a bachelor’s degree.
- You are interested in an approved degree or certificate program.
- You are within the following income guidelines:
Income Guidelines (2026)
| Household/Family Size | Monthly Gross Household Income | Annual Gross Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,660 | 31,920 |
| 2 | 3,607 | 43,280 |
| 3 | 4,553 | 54,640 |
| 4 | 5,500 | 66,000 |
| 5 | 6,447 | 77,360 |
In addition to meeting Workforce Education Student Expectations [PDF], Opportunity Grant students must also understand the following expectations:
Report Changes in Eligibility
You must notify your Workforce Education advisor if there are changes in your household income or family size that might affect your eligibility. For example, contact your advisor if you or a household member find employment that puts your total household income above the eligibility guidelines. See the Who Qualifies? section above for a chart with income guidelines.
Progress Reports
Workforce Education may request progress and participation reports from your instructors. Your advisor may contact you if there are any concerns.
Is there a deadline to apply for the Opportunity Grant?
No, enrollment is ongoing. You may even be able to get funding for classes you are currently attending. However, funding is always subject to availability.
Do I have to apply for Financial Aid?
Yes. To be considered for the Opportunity Grant, applicants must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and show financial need according to Financial Aid guidelines. If you are not eligible to submit a FAFSA due to immigration status, you must complete the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) instead.
How do you determine income eligibility?
We check FAFSA/WASFA information and require documentation of the previous month’s income. Examples of documentation include check stubs or verification of public assistance, unemployment insurance, or child support.
Can I get funding from the Opportunity Grant while also receiving funding from other sources?
It depends on the other source of funding. Students can potentially receive the Opportunity Grant in addition to other financial aid. Talk with the Opportunity Grant program manager about how the grant fits in with other aid you are receiving.
Can the Opportunity Grant cover prerequisite classes for an approved program of study?
It can pay for some prerequisite courses, but they would count toward the total 45-credit funding limit. The Opportunity Grant does NOT cover prerequisites in preparation to apply to a selective-admission medical program like Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, or Radiologic Technology.
Can the Opportunity Grant cover transfer degrees?
No. The Opportunity Grant can only cover approved professional/technical programs.