How Washington, D.C. college aid works
If you live in Washington, D.C., the state runs its own college aid on top of federal aid. The one to know is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), run by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE). Here is what it is, who qualifies, when to apply, and how it fits with the FAFSA.
Washington, D.C.'s state aid program
Washington, D.C.'s flagship state aid is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), administered by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE).
The award rose for 2026-27, the first increase in the program's 25 years: up to $15,000 a year at public colleges nationwide (a $75,000 lifetime cap), or up to $3,750 a year at private HBCUs nationwide and private nonprofit colleges in the DC region. Apply through the DC OneApp, which runs from early February to late August.
How to apply for Washington, D.C. grants and aid
Rare portable aid: up to $15,000/yr toward out-of-state public tuition anywhere in the U.S.
The FAFSA is the master form. Filing it early puts a student in line for federal Pell grants and work-study, and it starts most state and college aid too. Some state funds are first come, first served, so it is safer to file the week the FAFSA opens than to wait.
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Common questions about Washington, D.C. college aid
What is Washington, D.C.'s main state financial aid program?
Washington, D.C.'s flagship state aid is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), administered by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE). The award rose for 2026-27, the first increase in the program's 25 years: up to $15,000 a year at public colleges nationwide (a $75,000 lifetime cap), or up to $3,750 a year at private HBCUs nationwide and private nonprofit colleges in the DC region. Apply through the DC OneApp, which runs from early February to late August.
When do you apply for Washington, D.C. college aid?
Rare portable aid: up to $15,000/yr toward out-of-state public tuition anywhere in the U.S. Exact dates shift every year, so confirm the current cycle on the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) site before you file.
Do you need the FAFSA for Washington, D.C. state aid?
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) is not started by the FAFSA alone (rare portable aid: up to $15,000/yr toward out-of-state public tuition anywhere in the U.S.), but you should still file the FAFSA, because it unlocks federal Pell grants, work-study, and most college aid. Check the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) for this program's own steps.
State aid details verified as of October 28, 2026. Dates shift each cycle, so always confirm the current deadline on the official Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) site.