Financial Aid in District of Columbia (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, District of Columbia's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
District of Columbia FAFSA deadline for state aid
June 25, 2026 for priority consideration. DCTAG (via the DC OneApp): July 1, 2026 for priority consideration.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
District of Columbia grant programs
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
Up to $10,000 a year toward the out-of-state tuition difference at public colleges nationwide, plus awards at private schools in the DC area.
Administered by Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for District of Columbia students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches District of Columbiastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in District of Columbia?
For 2026–27 state aid: June 25, 2026 for priority consideration. DCTAG (via the DC OneApp): July 1, 2026 for priority consideration. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does District of Columbia offer?
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG): Up to $10,000 a year toward the out-of-state tuition difference at public colleges nationwide, plus awards at private schools in the DC area. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a District of Columbia resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in District of Columbia?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Office of the State Superintendent of Education determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.