Higher education

Keeping it affordable and accessible

“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Senate Democrats made unprecedented progress in keeping higher education affordable and accessible this past legislative session. Thanks to our efforts — from placing caps on tuition increases to boosting financial aid — a college education is within the reach of more Washington students.

Increasing financial options

For many students, securing a student loan is the only way to afford college. We authorized the Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority to issue student loan revenue bonds, saving loan recipients an average of $5,000 over the term of the loan. (Senate Bill 5385)

Because financial aid is one of the biggest factors in a student’s ability to access higher education, we funded $15 million in Opportunity Grants to allow students whose income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (which is $41,300 for a family of four) to receive tuition assistance at public community and technical colleges. (House Bill 1096)

Many working adults cannot attend college or university on a full- or part-time basis because of family, work obligations or a lack of financial resources. We put $9.5 million in the State Need Grant program for students attending less than half time. (HB 1179)

We established the Washington College Bound Scholarship program with $8.1 million to encourage eligible seventh-grade students to complete high school and pursue a college degree. Students who receive free or reduced-priced lunch and have a median family income below 65 percent (which is $46,500 for a family of four) at the time of graduation are eligible. (SB 5098)

Foster youth face many challenges when transitioning into adulthood. The $3.3 million Passport to College Promise program allows foster care youth between the ages of 16 and 26 an opportunity to pursue a higher education. Recipients must: have been in foster case for a minimum of six months since age 16; be a Washington resident; and be enrolled in an institution of higher education. The scholarship is available for up to five years or until a student reaches age 26, whichever comes first. (HB 1131)

Improving access

We added $107 million to increase enrollments at the state’s public colleges and universities by 9,700 students in the next two years. With a record number of students expected to graduate from high school and pursue a college education, this funding will help keep pace with this burgeoning demand.

Maintaining affordability

So higher education is within the reach of most budgets, we cap resident undergraduate tuition at the University of Washington and Washington State University at 7 percent; Central, Eastern, Western and The Evergreen State College at 5 percent; and the community and technical colleges at 2 percent.

Boosting competitiveness

To create a more nimble work force, we established the GET Ready for Math and Science scholarships. The $5 million set aside for this purpose will be matched with private funding to allow qualified students in engineering, math, applied science and technology to receive a scholarship if the student agrees to work in one of these fields for at least three years after graduation. (HB 1779)

Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for students. The most highly educated people in the country call Washington home. We strive to keep that distinction true.