Over half of Washington college students report experiencing basic needs insecurity, up 6 percent since 2022
February 4 | Olympia, Wash.—Over half of Washington college students report experiencing one or more forms of basic needs insecurity, according to a survey and report led by Western Washington University and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). The Washington Student Experience Survey (WSES) considers food insecurity, housing insecurity and homelessness. The rate of students reporting food insecurity is 14 percent higher than in the last WSES in 2022, while the overall rates of housing insecurity and homelessness remain high. Learn more.
2025 News
- Over half of Washington college students report experiencing basic needs insecurity, up 6 percent since 2022 - Feb. 4
- WSAC statement on financial aid applicant privacy (Español) - Jan. 29
- Council to meet in Olympia, discuss ways to align efforts and accelerate change to increase educational attainment - Jan. 21
Archives
2024
2024
- Ballmer Group invests $3 million to support WSAC’s regional partnership work to increase educational attainment - Dec. 30
- 2025-26 financial aid applications now open - Dec. 20
- Council to discuss credit mobility of today’s students at final meeting of 2024 - Nov. 4
- Partnership explores how digital media can increase motivation to pursue college - Oct. 17
- 2025-26 financial aid applications to open in December 2024 - Sep. 30
- WSAC Supports Title IX as a Foundation to Uphold the Rights of All Students - Sep. 5
- Washington’s GEAR UP Program receives a $35 million grant to help low-income students prepare for college - Sep. 3
- Council to review proposals for the upcoming 2025 legislative session - Aug. 13
- WSAC awards $3.1 million to five new regional challenge grant partnerships - July 22
- From our higher ed partners: A Letter to High School Principals and Counselors regarding the FAFSA - May 20
- Council to discuss 2025 Strategic Action Plan, approve new Regional Challenge Grant partnerships - May 7
- The National Center for Education Research has awarded $1 million to WSAC and MDRC to support the investigation of school-to-work pathways - Apr. 9
- New data dashboard tracks Washington's education attainment progress - Mar. 19
- Washington Student Achievement Council announced as winner of the Great Admissions Redesign Challenge - Feb. 29
- Washington state ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid - Jan. 29
- Council to meet in Olympia, discuss WA Grant as strategy to increase educational attainment - Jan. 16
- Washington state considers innovative approach: allowing food benefits eligibility as proxy for free college tuition - Jan. 16
- WSAC launches new collaborative research partnership to investigate Washington students’ school-to-work pathways and labor market outcomes - Jan. 11
- Additional funding from Washington State allows WSAC’s Regional Challenge Grant program to increase investment in a new cohort of place-based partnerships - Jan. 9
- Simpler, more generous 2024-25 financial aid applications now available—but process will be slower - Jan. 5
2023
2023
- Eight industry sector partnerships receive nearly $17 million to help WA residents secure good jobs. - Dec 11
- Council to engage with community leaders, discuss postsecondary attainment on the Olympic Peninsula - Oct. 30
- 2024-25 financial aid applications to open in December, with positive changes for students and families - Oct. 4
- Public college enrollment still going down, threatening state’s progress on education equity - Sept. 25
- WSAC member Evangelina Galvan Shreeve receives national clean energy education award - Sept. 19
- Council to discuss 2024 Strategic Action Plan, review 2024 legislative proposals - Aug. 25
- From SHEEO: WSAC's Michael Meotti named 2023 exceptional leader among state higher education executives - Jul. 18
- The National Center for Education Research has awarded $1 million to evaluate the Washington College Grant - Jun. 29
- Informational videos increase awareness of financial aid and education options - Jun. 20
- Council to discuss 2024 Strategic Action Plan to increase postsecondary educational attainment and equity in Washington State - Jun. 6
- The National Governors Association funds a new way to showcase and verify worker skills and training - Jun. 1
- New Data Shows Sharp Decline in Students Moving Directly from High School to College - Mar. 9
- Innovative Initiatives Aim to Increase Financial Aid Awareness and Access for Washington Students - Mar. 6
- Council to discuss dual credit programs, approve additional regional challenge grant awardees - Jan. 31
- Half of Washington college students report experiencing basic needs insecurity, with over 10 percent having experienced homelessness - Jan. 19
2022
2022
- Council to discuss recommendations for Regional Challenge Grant awardees - December 12
- Washington State Joins National Coalition Working to Boost On-Time College Completion - November 9
- New research shows college and financial aid improve long-term economic outlook for low-income Washington students - November 7
- From the National Governors Association: Six states awarded grant funding to boost workforce participation, economic mobility - October 28
- Council to discuss postsecondary completion, regional considerations at meeting in Tri-Cities - October 11
- 2023-24 financial aid applications open October 1: A family of four making up to $107,000 can qualify for aid in Washington - September 30
- From WICHE: Michael Meotti To Represent Washington on the WICHE Commission - September 16
- Applications now open: WSAC grants will support community partnerships that improve college and career training access and success - September 8
- Council to discuss legislative proposals, finalize regional grant application process - August 24
- From Governor Inslee: In case you missed it: Washington state wins federal Good Jobs Challenge grant to support career connected training for thousands of students - August 3
- Council to discuss impacts of basic needs insecurity on college students - May 17
- Generous $1.5 million Capital One Foundation grant will fund research to support postsecondary opportunities for low-income students in the state - May 9
- Council to discuss how the state and local communities can support career and college pathways for Washington high school students - March 29
- Council to preview 2022 priorities and indicators of progress - January 24
2021
2021
- Council to highlight regional and institutional efforts to expand college and career pathways - November 3
- 2022-23 financial aid applications now open. A family of four making up to $102,000 can qualify for aid in Washington - October 1
- Council to discuss proposals to expand educational attainment - August 17
- The importance of student supports in increasing educational outcomes - July 12
- Council to discuss expanding dual credit opportunities for Washington students - April 8
- WSAC announces spring schedule for higher education equity webinars - March 17
- Council to discuss higher education enrollment and affordability challenges - March 4
- State provides $5 million through the Emergency Relief Grant to support undocumented students - March 3
- WSAC announces an opportunity for adult learners in Pierce County - February 17
- Council to explore opportunities to increase college readiness and enrollment - January 8
2020
2020
- Council to finalize 2021-23 Strategic Action Plan - December 9
- Council to review 2021-23 Strategic Action Plan - November 12
- Help on the way for more hungry college students - October 22
- Washington launches new resource for higher education consumers - October 6
- Apply for financial aid to get education or training, expand options during uncertain times - October 1
- Council to approve proposals for the 2020 Strategic Action Plan - August 26
- Council welcoming new members, developing proposals to increase attainment amidst pandemic - August 14
- National coalition urges Secretary DeVos to protect student loan borrowers as the end looms for CARES Act relief - August 6
- Council will examine dual enrollment through equity lens - July 16
- Council to examine equity in postsecondary education during COVID-19 crisis - May 22
- Washingtonians looking for their next career step have a new Compass - April 9
- WA student loan advocate weighs in on federal COVID-19 changes for borrowers - March 26
- It's never too late to apply for the Washington College Grant - March 5
- National coalition of student loan ombudspersons urge automatic discharge for totally, permanently disabled civilian borrowers - March 3
- New Report: Modest increase in state's educational attainment, critical populations still underserved in postsecondary - February 5
- WSAC launches FAFSA completion dashboard - January 28
- Council will discuss opportunities to improve equity in dual credit - January 23
- Statewide rate of students signing up for College Bound Scholarship increases to 72 percent - January 22
2019
2019
- Washington launches consumer protection resource for college, vocational students - November 20
- GEAR UP West Professional of the Year awarded to WSAC's Beth Kelly - October 31
- Council welcomes Jeff Vincent, new member and chair - October 23
- Meotti on Inside Olympia: Support those facing the most barriers to access a valuable education - October 11
- How do we leverage Washington College Grant to raise awareness, enrollment, completion? - October 10
- Apply for financial aid to access Washington College Grant and other state, federal aid - September 30
- Council to discuss legislative proposals that increase postsecondary enrollment - September 13
- Central Washington University's Payton Swinford appointed to Student Achievement Council - July 31
- Executive director to share new Washington College Grant with national research community - July 26
- State denies South University's application to offer field placements in Washington - June 27
- Council to focus on increasing access to postsecondary education in North Central region - July 3
- National GEAR UP Professional of the Year awarded to Washington’s Marcie Sample - June 26
- 12th Year Campaign pays off in higher financial aid completion rates at participating sites - June 6
- Update: 2019 Legislative Session Overview - May 28
- State denies Ashford University's application to recruit, advertise in Washington - May 9
- Historic investment in Washington College Grant opens doors to college and career education - April 30
- Council to discuss strategic framework in pursuit of increased educational attainment - April 12
- College Promise Scholarship moving forward in the Legislature, funding questions remain - March 14
- Washington Student Achievement Council executive director testifies in U.S. Senate - March 12
- Location change for Art Institute of Seattle student information fairs - March 11
- Art Institute of Seattle to close on Friday March 8 - March 6
- Art Institute of Seattle students can learn about academic, financial options at info fairs - February 26
- Washington missed out on $50 million in federal student financial aid - February 14
- Washington State GEAR UP closes opportunity gaps for HS graduation, college enrollment - February 5
- Student loan borrowers have an advocate at the Washington Student Achievement Council - January 30
- Council to discuss strategies to increase educational attainment - January 24
- Governor recognizes highest number of schools, districts for College Bound sign-up rates - January 17
- Art Institute of Seattle designated as at-risk of closure - January 10
2018
2018
- Council will discuss opportunities to increase educational attainment statewide
- Get help applying for financial aid at a College Goal Washington event near you
- Office Hours: Regional highlight—Seattle's comprehensive support plan
- Council brings local leaders together to improve student access and support
- Council to finalize budget priorities for the 2019-21 biennium
- Council will review budget and legislative priorities for 2019-21 biennium
- Council work session to develop Strategic Action Plan for 2019-21 Biennium
- Council working with Greater Spokane, Inc. to meet regional needs
- College Bound Scholarship's newest cohort of students over 30,000 strong
- Council releases interactive data dashboard of progress toward attainment goals
2017
2017
- Council will discuss policy priorities for 2018 - November 29
- Council will hear findings of regional workforce needs assessment - October 5
- Apply for financial aid and get help at a local College Goal Washington event - October 3
- Washington state awarded $56.7 million to help students GEAR UP for college - October 2
- Council to discuss budget priorities for increasing educational attainment - September 6
- Joint Statement on DACA - September 5
- Washington Student Achievement Council welcomes new members - August 3
- Washington Student Achievement Council to enter contract negotiations with vendor for 529 college savings plan - June 26
- Council meeting to focus on Southwest Washington economy, Workforce needs - June 8
- Community representatives will present to the council and discuss attainment goals - April 13
- College bound scholarship investment pays off in high school graduation, college enrollment - Feburary 22
- Greater Spokane Incorporated will present to council on initiative to help adults finish degree - February 1
2016
2016
- Michael P. Meotti appointed executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council - December 21, 2016
- Council statement on Governor Inslee's budget - December 15, 2016
- Council to review Governor's budget on Friday conference call - December 15, 2016
- Council to discuss 2017 legislative priorities at November meeting - November 2, 2016
- Council to discuss statewide policy priorities at October meeting - October 5, 2016
- Washington Student Achievement Council issues 529 college savings plan RFP - October 5, 2016
- Apply for financial aid starting Oct. 1, get help at local College Goal Washington events - September 28, 2016
- ITT Tech's Washington campuses no longer eligible for state financial aid programs - August 29, 2016
- Council to discuss dual credit at September meeting - August 26, 2016
- Council to discuss education partners' priorities for 2017 Legislative Session - August 9, 2016
- Council committees to discuss strategic action plan initiatives - June 28, 2016
- Central Washington University student Jessica Murillo-Rosales joins Washington Student Achievement Council - June 16, 2016
- Council to continue discussions on executive director search - June 6, 2016
- Dr. Rachelle Sharpe appointed acting executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council - May 27, 2016
- Council to discuss strategies for increasing educational attainment - May 26, 2016
- College Bound high school grad rate 13 points higher than low-income student rate - April 14, 2016
- Council will hear from Tacoma Public Schools and the Road Map Project - April 6, 2016
- Executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council to retire - April 4, 2016
- Council to receive annual update on state financial aid programs - February 4, 2016
- Apply early for financial aid, get help at 120 College Goal Washington statewide events - January 12, 2016
2015
2015
- Marginal improvement signals urgent need to increase educational attainment - December 16, 2015
- Council will vote on adoption of 2015 Roadmap Report - December 3, 2015
- Council will review progress toward attainment goals and convene symposium on affordability - November 12, 2015
- College Bound Scholarship sign-up rate continues to break records at 91 percent - October 26, 2015
- Council to review educational attainment progress data and weigh in on analysis - October 8, 2015
- Bellevue College student Eric Pattison joins Washington Student Achievement Council - October 7, 2015
- Council to review factors affecting high school graduation and postsecondary success - August 7, 2015
- Education partners discuss roles in reaching attainment goals - June 11, 2015
- Governor Inslee signs bill to expand student access to dual-credit opportunities - May 11, 2015
- Exemplary High School Seniors Recognized with Washington Scholars Award - April 21, 2015
- Council begins review of minimum college admission standards - April 3, 2015
- College Bound high school grad rate over 10 points higher than low-income student rate - February 26, 2015
- Council engages partners in panel discussion on increasing educational attainment - February 5, 2015
- Now is the time for prospective students—including DREAMers—to apply for financial aid - January 14, 2015
2014
2014
- Council recommendations focus on postsecondary access, opportunity, and affordability - December 4, 2014
- College Goal Washington at 60 sites, helping Washingtonians apply for financial aid - December 2, 2014
- Adoption of 2014 Strategic Action Plan drives November council meeting agenda - November 14, 2014
- College Bound Scholarship cohort largest ever - October 6, 2014
- Council welcomes new member, recognizes achievements of outgoing K-12 representative - October 3, 2014
- Council to decide on agency-request legislation and approve 2014 Strategic Action Plan - October 2, 2014
- Council continues development of 2014 Strategic Action Plan - September 4, 2014
- Budget priorities and 2014 Strategic Action Plan drive discussion at council's August meeting - August 13, 2014
- Everest College-Renton notified of suspension from state financial aid programs - July 11, 2014
- Budget outlook and first generation students considered in Roadmap implementation - June 18, 2014
- Promise, support, and reward are keys to College Bound Scholarship students' success - May 13, 2014
- Roadmap implementation and increasing access to postsecondary education on Council's agenda - April 18, 2014
- ReadySetGrad.org nominated for "Best Education Website" in the 18th Annual Webby Awards - April 18, 2014
- High school seniors receive Washington's highest academic honor - April 15, 2014
- Governor Inslee Signs Bill Endorsing Roadmap Education Goals for 2023 - April 3, 2014
- Calling all "dreamers" - application for state financial aid now available - March 31, 2014
- Council Begins Roadmap Implementation - January 30, 2014
2013
2013
- Washington Student Achievement Council Continues Work to Increase Attainment
- Washington Student Achievement Council Welcomes New Student Member
- The Washington Student Achievement Council Selects New Officers
- The Washington Student Achievement Council Sets Sights on Increased Access to Higher Education
- Washington Student Achievement Council Continues Focus on Improving Education Outcomes for Washington Students
- Governor to Address Student Achievement Council at May 23 Meeting
- Student Achievement Council to Meet March 26 at St. Martin’s in Lacey
- High School Graduation Rates Soar for Students Enrolled in Washington College Bound Scholarship Program
- Student Achievement Council to hold Jan. 23 meeting in Des Moines