Residents of Washington have an average federal and private student loan debt of $33,342, ranking 25th in the country in average student debt. While this number is 9% less than the national average of $36,689, it’s still a lot of money to be paid back.
Over 800,000 Washingtonians deal with student debt, with an average monthly payment of $336. Thankfully, the Student Loan Transparency Act passed in Washington in 2017 requires colleges to maintain clarity in keeping borrowers aware of their student debt status. However, students can still benefit from finding means to pay for higher education other than loans—such as scholarships and grants.
Top 10 Scholarships for Washington Students
- Carol S. Comeau Environmental Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000; 4 winners, $500 each
- Deadline: April 1, 2022
- Details: This scholarship is for high school seniors from Washington planning to pursue a degree in environmental studies. Applicants must write an essay about themselves and how they hope to make a difference through their studies.
- Rita’s First-Gen Scholarship
- Amount: $33,688
- Deadline: March 1, 2022
- Details: For high school seniors who will be first-generation college students. Applicants must write about the obstacles they’ve faced and their future educational and career goals.
- Young Women in STEM Scholarship
- Amount: $30,000; 3 winners, $10,000 each
- Deadline: March 1, 2022
- Details: For women who are high school seniors or undergraduates pursuing a STEM degree. The scholarship aims to improve access for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Environmental Impact Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 30, 2022
- Details: For high school seniors planning to study environmental problem-solving. Applicants must explain the environmental problem they hope to solve and how they plan to do so.
- Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: May 20, 2022
- Details: This scholarship supports high school seniors or undergraduates who are African American/Black and majoring in a STEM field.
- Future of Aviation Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: May 14, 2022
- Details: For high school juniors, seniors, or undergraduates interested in aviation or pilot majors. This scholarship helps offset the high cost of training and education in aviation.
- Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship
- Amount: $23,410; 20 winners, $1,170 each
- Deadline: March 3, 2022
- Details: For undergraduate students or high school seniors with diabetes. This scholarship aims to support students facing the financial and logistical challenges of managing diabetes.
- Across Cultures No-Essay Scholarship
- Amount: $1,350
- Deadline: April 11, 2022
- Details: For students who demonstrate openness to learning about other cultures and a willingness to share their own. Applicants can highlight activities like cooking food from a different culture, learning a new language, or traveling.
- WiseGeek Recent Immigrants Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 16, 2022
- Details: For immigrants who have come to the US since January 1, 2010. This scholarship honors the contributions of immigrants and seeks to provide equal opportunities.
- First-Generation Educators Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000; 2 winners, $1,000 each
- Deadline: March 14, 2022
- Details: For first-generation students pursuing a career as a K-12 teacher. Applicants must write about a teacher who impacted their life.
Colleges in Washington
The state of Washington is home to almost 90 post-secondary institutions, including colleges, universities, and technical schools. Washington has one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States and the largest concentration of STEM workers. Key industries include computer software development, aerospace, biotechnology, clean energy, agriculture, life sciences, and more.
Washington College Demographics
Washington’s diverse state is reflected in its college demographics. In the year immediately after high school, 33% of young Washingtonians enroll in a technical or community college, 23% at a public four-year university, 8% in a private institution, and 36% do not enroll in any school program. Many juggle family and work responsibilities with educational goals, highlighting the need for financial aid opportunities.
Additional Scholarships That Students in Washington Should Consider
Scholarships for High School Students in Washington
- Rita’s First-Gen Scholarship
- Amount: $33,688
- Deadline: March 1, 2022
- Details: For first-generation high school seniors pursuing college.
- Young Women in STEM Scholarship
- Amount: $30,000; 3 winners, $10,000 each
- Deadline: March 1, 2022
- Details: For women pursuing STEM degrees, aiming to support low-income backgrounds.
- Environmental Impact Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 30, 2022
- Details: For high school seniors studying environmental problem-solving.
Scholarships for Current College Students in Washington
- Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: May 20, 2022
- Details: For African American/Black students in STEM fields.
- Future of Aviation Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: May 14, 2022
- Details: For students interested in aviation.
- Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship
- Amount: $23,410; 20 winners, $1,170 each
- Deadline: March 3, 2022
- Details: For students with diabetes.
Washington Scholarships for Out-of-State Students
- Across Cultures No-Essay Scholarship
- Amount: $1,350
- Deadline: April 11, 2022
- Details: For students who demonstrate cultural openness.
- WiseGeek Recent Immigrants Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 16, 2022
- Details: For recent immigrants to the US.
Scholarships for DACA Students in Washington State
- Carlynn’s No-Essay Coming to America Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: November 1, 2022
- Details: For high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduates pursuing higher education in the US, including non-citizens.
Scholarships for Teachers in Washington State
- First-Generation Educators Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000; 2 winners, $1,000 each
- Deadline: March 14, 2022
- Details: For first-generation students pursuing a career as a K-12 teacher.
- Future Female Educators Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: April 30, 2022
- Details: For female students pursuing a degree in education.
Nursing Scholarships in Washington
- National Healthcare Heroes Grant for Nurses
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: May 16, 2022
- Details: For aspiring or current nurses.
- HSINTELLIGENCE Minority/Indigenous Nurse Leader Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: March 15, 2022
- Details: For first-generation BIPOC students interested in nursing.
- WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation No-Essay Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 16, 2022
- Details: For aspiring or current nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Washington
How to Apply for Scholarships in Washington
To apply for scholarships in Washington, set up a student profile and submit your application. Follow the unique requirements and submission instructions included in each scholarship description. Always pay close attention to the deadlines and eligibility requirements.
What is the best website to apply for scholarships?
Many websites offer scholarships, but Bold.org provides unique opportunities by listing only exclusive scholarships. This means the applicant pool is smaller, increasing your chances of winning.
What is the easiest thing to get a scholarship for?
Several easy scholarships require no essay to apply. Complete your profile and apply to as many easy scholarships as you want with just one click.
How do you get a full-ride scholarship?
Full-ride scholarships are highly competitive and often require academic merit, athletic ability, strong extracurriculars, and community service or leadership. Each full-ride scholarship has different requirements, so be sure to read the eligibility requirements and instructions carefully.
By exploring these scholarships and applying early, Washington students can significantly reduce the financial burden of college and focus on their academic and career goals. Good luck with your scholarship applications!