The Value of State-Specific Scholarships
In this post, we will list the most sought-after scholarships in Washington.
With average tuition fees of $34,552 (in-state students) and $63,906 (out-of-state students), it can truly be overwhelming. Fortunately, the state government and its private enterprises are enhancing their initiatives to attract more students and workers.
Several educational assistance programs are available in the state. The most recommended programs, however, are the scholarships in Washington.
Featured Programs
Washington college scholarships are essentially FREE MONEY. This means that you don’t need to repay them, which frees you from future financial burdens. In addition to helping you pay for tuition, books, and other degree-related expenses, these scholarships will also help you become more attractive in the job market.
You can list down all of the state-specific scholarships in Washington you’ve won in your resume. This will show employers that you’re two things:
- Highly committed
- Capable of balancing multiple responsibilities
On top of that, scholarships in Washington can also serve as your bridge to getting to know industry leaders. Most of these programs have networking opportunities that are more than capable of getting you a job immediately after graduation.
Student loans are great, but you need to approach them with caution. While they can offer temporary relief from financial burdens, they need to be repaid after graduation. The interest on some loans is even higher than the original amount you borrowed!
Here are the top scholarships in Washington. You may qualify for one or two of them. If you don’t see anything that fits your description, we will teach you how to find more financial aid for Washington students by the end of this post.
Related Articles:
- How to Find College Scholarships in Your State
- Top 10 Best Scholarships for College Students
- Unlocking Opportunities: Online Education Scholarships
Top State-Specific Scholarships in Washington
Washington Wine Industry Foundation Scholarship
This is one of the most unique Washington resident scholarships designed to help students passionate about winemaking and vineyard management—basically anything related to the wine industry. The Washington Wine Industry provides various scholarships for students at every stage, from associate’s and certificate holders to those pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000 can be awarded, depending on your specific program and its strong connection to the winemaking business.
- Deadline: April 08, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Students in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs
- Studying viticulture, enology, wine business management, or food sciences
- Those who meet the specific criteria for each scholarship
- How to Apply: Submit your application through the Washington Wine Industry Foundation and any required documents.
WGA “Celebrate the West” High School Art Competition
This is one of the best merit-based scholarships in Washington. Although this is not exclusive to WA residents only, it’s one of the most participated scholarships joined by WA artists. This is open to all high school students who want to pursue a degree and career in the arts with a love for the Western United States.
Annually hosted by the Western Governors’ Association, you can win this scholarship by showcasing one (or maybe a few) of your original pieces inspired by your home state. Keep in mind that although this competition is open to students from multiple states, your artwork will only be judged alongside others from your own state.
- Award Amount: Up to $1,500
- Deadline: April 11, 2025
- Who Can Apply? High school students, including homeschooled learners
- How to Apply:
- Submit an original artwork inspired by the Western United States.
- Finalists will be selected from each participating state and territory.
Incight Scholarship
Higher education is for everyone, even those with disabilities. It is one of the best state-specific scholarships in Washington, which has helped over 1,000 students since 2004. It is open to students facing various challenges, from physical disabilities to learning disabilities, enrolled in community, trade/vocational, and traditional colleges.
- Award Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Enrolled in a higher education program for the upcoming academic year
- Must have a qualifying disability (e.g., autism, deafness, intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment)
- How to Apply:
- Complete the application online and submit all the required documents.
- Past recipients can reapply.
Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship
Awarded to 10 osteopathic medical students ($1,000 each) annually, this scholarship is open to all students (except those in their 1st year of undergraduate study) who plan on working in Washington or any of the following states:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
It is ranked one of the best financial aid opportunities in Washington.
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Osteopathic medical students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year
- Must plan to practice in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington
- How to Apply:
- Apply during your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of medical school through the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation.
WWIN Star Scholarship
If you’re a woman looking for renewable scholarships, you should apply for the WWIN Star Scholarship. It is open to women pursuing their first bachelor’s program. This specific scholarship was mainly designed to encourage more women to earn a degree.
If you’re selected, you can receive up to $20,000 throughout your four-year degree journey. The decision, however, is based on your degree and standing and how it aligns with WWIN’s mission and values. This is one of the most highly competitive merits combined with need-based scholarships in Washington.
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year, renewable)
- Deadline: April 17, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Women who have been Washington state residents for at least 12 months
- First-time undergraduate students
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or DACA recipients
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- How to Apply:
- Complete the WWIN Star Scholar online application.
- Submit FAFSA/WASFA documents and answer the required narrative questions.
Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs (WACOPS) Scholarship
If your parent/s is part of the Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs, you can qualify for this scholarship. However, you need to be in good academic standing to qualify for the WACOPS scholarship. Fifteen students are selected annually to receive $1,000 each. It’s one of the easiest Washington scholarships for in-state students as it is exclusively available to the children of WACOPS members, which limits the competition even more.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Ages 17-21
- Must be the child or under the care of a current WACOPS member
- High school graduate or GED holder
- Past recipients are not eligible to reapply
- How to Apply:
- Apply with a resume and a high school transcript (and college transcript if applicable).
- Add in a letter of recommendation from a teacher, academic advisor, coach, or employer.
Moms on the Rise (MoThR) Scholarship
They say that becoming a mother is one of the hardest things to do, and they’re correct. Imagine being a mom while juggling finances and education on top of childcare. This MoThR scholarship, one of the best grants and scholarships in Washington, is designed for teenage moms who want to earn a college degree.
- Award Amount: May 31, 2025
- Deadline: $8,565 (2 winners, $4,285 each)
- Who Can Apply?
- Teen mothers (current or former)
- High school students
- How to Apply
- Applicants must share their experiences as teenage mothers, the challenges they have faced, and their educational and career aspirations.
Eleanor Davis Pinkham Scholarship
Did you know that Roosevelt High School is one of the top-rated college prep schools in the United States? According to Niche, 68% and 88% of its students are proficient in math and reading subjects, respectively. The Eleanor Davis Pinkham Scholarship is designed specifically for Roosevelt graduates who want to earn a degree at the University of Washington.
As one of the most sought-after Washington tuition assistance programs, it combines academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need to choose a receiver.
- Award Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: July 1, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Graduates of Roosevelt High School
- Incoming freshmen at the University of Washington
- How to Apply:
- Complete the online application, which includes:
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher
- Three short essay responses
- An activities resume or CV
- An unofficial high school transcript
WSOS Career and Technical Scholarship
Trade, healthcare, and STEM are among the most recommended majors in 2025. You should consider this scholarship if you’re already enrolled in one of these majors at a Washington community or technical college.
As one of the top scholarships for Washington community college students, this covers a major part of your tuition. Additionally, you’ll also be receiving high-quality career training and mentorship that will connect you with industry leaders.
- Award Amount: Up to $6,000 ($1,500 per quarter)
- Deadline: October 16, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Washington state residents
- Enrolled in an eligible program at a Washington community or technical college
- Minimum 2.75 GPA or qualifying GED score
- Must not already hold a bbachelor’sdegree
- How to Apply:
- Submit an online application, complete FAFSA or WASFA forms, and provide proof of residency and high school completion.
- Selected students also receive mentorship and career training resources.
University of Washington Presidential Scholarship
The University of Washington has once again ranked highly in the U.S. News and World Report ranking for the Best Global Universities, coming in at #6. UW tuition, however, is very expensive. To attract the most talented students, UW has a so-called Presidential Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the state.
- Award Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 per year)
- Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Who Can Apply?
- Washington state residents
- Incoming freshmen at the University of Washington
- Must complete FAFSA for financial aid consideration
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- How to Apply:
- No separate application is needed—Washington residents are automatically considered when they apply for UUW’s autumn quarter.
How to Apply for Washington State Scholarships
Here is a quick guide on how to apply for scholarships in Washington:
Step #1: Know the criteria/eligibility requirements.
Each scholarship has different requirements. For example, WWIN scholarships are only for women students, while WACOPS scholarships are only for children of police and sheriff officers. However, when applying for the majority of scholarships, you need to submit the following:
- Transcripts
- Proof of enrollment
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Eligibility
- FAFSA or WASFA
Step #2: Prepare strong application materials.
- Personal Statement – Focus on your academic goals, career aspirations, and how you’ve overcome challenges. Tailor it to each scholarship’s mission.
- Letters of Recommendation – Ask teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well and can speak about your strengths.
- Proof of Financial Need – If required, submit your FAFSA or WASFA results early.
Step #3: Submit applications before deadlines.
Set reminders for each scholarship deadline and double-check your applications for errors. Some scholarships require mailed submissions, while others accept online applications.
Additional Resources for Washington Students
Other reliable websites for finding state-specific scholarships:
- Scholarships.com
- Bold.org
- Sallie.com
- Going Merry
- Scholarship America
If you’re from a low- to middle-income family, you may qualify for more financial aid from the government. You can visit the Washington Achievement Council for a list of Washington state grants for college students with financial need.
Final Tips: Take Advantage of Washington Scholarships
One scholarship (unless a full-ride scholarship) may not be enough to finance your education. This is when you need to consider other financial aid like grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Yet, we would still highly recommend working harder to land multiple scholarships.
Unlike work-study programs and loans, scholarships don’t require repayment and additional time and commitments. Scholarships will give you tuition assistance and the opportunity to focus more on your studies. Here are a few more scholarship application tips:
- Start early and stay organized.
- Apply for both large and small scholarships.
- Reapply every year.