National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)

The 2024-25 NGG application is open. Please see the "How to Apply" tab below for additional information. Contact us with any additional questions.

Washington National Guard members who show need can get money for college or training

Grant helps pay a portion of college costs not covered by other financial aid.
If you are not receiving any financial aid (federal, state, institution aid), NGG can be used as a non-need award.

The National Guard Grant assists members and their eligible dependents with funding for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate study programs at approved institutions and programs within Washington State. First-time undergraduate seekers are awarded first, and other applicants are reviewed after Priority Consideration Dates to ensure available funding. As of now, graduate students will receive the same award amount as undergraduates.

About the Program

Minimum Qualifications

Participants must meet the following requirements:

Be an active drilling member in good standing of the Washington National Guard.
Have completed the current year’s FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application.
Attend an accredited higher education institution in Washington State, or a Washington institution that provides training under the Montgomery GI Bill®.

Starting Fall 2024, service members can include dependents. Please see Priority Consideration Dates for recommended application submission.

Minimum Dependent/Spouse Qualifications

Your service member sponsor must be an active drilling member in good standing with the Washington National Guard.
Have an active DOD (DEERS) ID.
Have completed the current year’s FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application.
Attend an accredited higher education institution in Washington State, or a Washington institution that provides training under the Montgomery GI Bill®.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Service Obligation

Participants must fulfill the following obligations:

Serve one year in the National Guard for each year of Washington National Guard Grant funding received. Service begins after the last day of the final term of the academic year for which funds are received.
Maintain good standing as a member of the Washington National Guard.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress in the degree or certificate program where enrolled.

If you are a Dependent/Spouse you must fulfill the following obligation:

Your sponsored service member must serve one year in the National Guard for each year of Washington National Guard Grant funding received. Service begins after the last day of the final term of the academic year for which funds are received.
Your sponsored service member must maintain good standing as a member of the Washington National Guard.
Dependent/spouse must maintain satisfactory academic progress in the degree or certificate program where enrolled.
Please note: Sponsors and dependent(s) share the same grant eligibility of six years. Please reach out to our WSAC National Guard Grant team for more information.

How to Apply

It is recommended that NGG applicants submit their application after they have registered for classes and completed their financial aid application with their institution. NGG has adopted Priority Consideration Dates (PCD). Applications will continue to be accepted after the set dates; however, if demand for NGG exceeds the budget, applications submitted after the term’s Priority Consideration Date will be subject to available funds.

2024-25 Priority Consideration Dates

Term	Priority Consideration Date
Summer 2024¹	June 10, 2024
Fall 2024	July 8, 2024
Winter quarter / spring semester 2025	October 7, 2024
Spring quarter 2025	February 10, 2025
Summer 2025²	April 21, 2025

¹For institutions that classify their Summer term at the start of the academic year. Payments for this term may not meet tuition payment deadlines.

²For institutions that classify their Summer term at the end of the academic year.

Important steps:

Complete the online National Guard Grant application.
Complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application.
Applicants who are eligible to apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) are encouraged to apply for both NGG and FTA. WSAC understands that not all service members are eligible to apply for FTA. Those who are ineligible for FTA should still apply for NGG.

2024-25 NGG Awards

Maximum NGG base award values have increased for the 2024-25 academic year and priority will be given to applicants without their first baccalaureate degree:

Two-year community & technical colleges	$2,500
Western Governors University Washington	$3,500
Applied baccalaureate programs at CTCs	$4,500
Four-year regional public institutions	$4,500
Four-year private non-profit institutions	$6,500
Four-year public research institutions	$6,500

Maximum NGG awards can also include up to a $500 one-time allowance for books and supplies.
Applicants who are eligible to apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) are encouraged to apply for both NGG and FTA. WSAC understands that not all service members are eligible to apply for FTA. Those who are ineligible for FTA should still apply for NGG.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Guard Grant?

The National Guard Grant is a conditional scholarship aimed to provide financial assistance to active drilling Washington National Guard members. Service members commit to serving one year in the National Guard, which can be done concurrently with their existing contract, in exchange for an award.

Who can apply for the National Guard Grant Post Secondary Education Grant?

Two types of eligible applicants are:

Active participating member of the Air Force or Army Washington National Guard. New recruits awaiting basic training are eligible to apply.

A dependent of an active participating member of the Air Force or Army Washington National Guard, and;
Must be registered with DOD ID (DEERS ID)

Both types of applicant must ensure:

They or their spouses are in good standing with the National Guard.
Meeting SAP expectations for their institution.
Complete a FAFSA or WASFA.

Will the National Guard Grant pay my full tuition?

No. The National Guard Grant will not pay the full tuition for any service member or dependent. The max allowance varies from institution type, FAFSA, and room in your financial aid package. Please review our maximum award amounts under the "2024-25 NGG Awards" tab. We are funded by the Washington State Legislature and our budget is adjusted yearly.

Can I accept and apply for other forms of financial aid?

Yes. We encourage you to utilize all your resources to assist funding your education. You will not be denied an award due receiving aid. As long as there is room in your financial aid package to receive an award from us, we will be able to award you. It is recommended that you contact your financial aid administrator to determine what your award package may look like with the National Guard Grant. If you do not know who your financial aid administrator is, contact us so we can connect you.

Which terms can I apply for?

You may apply and request for all anticipated terms for the academic year you are attending. We suggest applying a few weeks before your first term for the academic year.

Tip: Even if you apply during winter, but attended fall, you are eligible to be considered for retroactive payments, so be sure to list all terms.

When should I apply for the National Guard Grant?

The application cycle is on a rolling basis so you can apply throughout the academic year but, funds are limited. It is important to review our Priority Consideration Dates for the terms you plan to attend (see "How to Apply" tab).

Can I transfer to another institution?

If you transfer to another institution, please notify us as soon as possible. You may or may not be able to receive additional funding—your award will need to match your original promissory note.

I was awarded, but why haven't funds been deposited?

Once you accept your award, a payment is initiated to your institution which can take 2-3 business days to be received. After your institution receives the payment, it usually takes 5-7 business days before it is reflected.

When does my service obligation begin?

The year of service begins after the last term in the academic year for which funds were awarded. If a participant receives grant funding for fall and winter quarters only, the service year begins the first of the month following the end of winter quarter (e.g., April 1).

Example: A service member only requests fall term NGG funding. The last day of instruction for the institution’s fall term is December 6, 2024. The participant's service obligation will begin on January 1, 2025 and end on December 31, 2025.

Will I owe money if I do not attend a term?

No. You will not owe money if you do not attend a term so long as the funds were not sent to your institution. If they have, funds must be returned by your institution’s business or bursar's office.

I am facing medical discharge. Will this impact my contract?

A deferment of service obligation may be granted if your compliance with the obligation is temporarily impossible or if there is an extreme hardship. Deferments should be requested in advance and approved ahead of time. Periods of approved deferment will suspend payments and may extend your service obligation end-date.

How long after I submit my application will I know whether I am selected for an award?

Our team will contact all applicants as soon as decisions are made by sending you an offer.
Generally, the awards process begins as soon as applications are submitted. WSAC sends requests of certification to both your commanding office and your institution to verify good standing and enrollment. Once these are both received, we begin reviewing and creating your award offer. This process usually takes 5-6 weeks, so prepare accordingly.

What happens if I get discharged unexpectedly?

Contact our office immediately.

How are my payments calculated?

Awards will be divided into quarterly or semester-based payments, depending on your institution type over the contract service obligation period. Payments are made to your institution directly. They will handle disbursement. Generally, institutions apply the award to any outstanding balances and afterward apply it to the student's bank account if there are remaining funds. You will need to contact your financial aid office to inquire how they will specifically disburse your award.