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Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship

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Overview

HB 1946 was designed to address the behavioral healthcare professional shortage by providing financial aid to those pursuing a career in behavioral health. The Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship requires three to five years of Post Graduation Service Obligation (PGSO) in exchange for receiving an award. The award will be distributed over a maximum of three years for program completion. 

Applications will be accepted from January 5, 2026, through February 25, 2026. A completed FAFSA or WASFA is required.

Eligible types of programs

Applicants have the flexibility to choose the type of Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in which they would like to provide services. Further information regarding HPSA service sites can be found on the HRSA Data Warehouse website. 

Applicants who do not see their preferred site on the HPSA service site list may request the site representative to submit a form for a site preapproval application. Site applications are not guaranteed approval. 

Eligible M.A. Programs:
  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • Social Work
  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
Eligible Certificate Programs:
  • Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) 
Eligible Graduate Program Institutions:
  • Antioch University
  • Bastyr University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Heritage University
  • Seattle University
  • Western Washington University
  • City University
  • Central Washington University
  • Pacific Lutheran University
  • University of Washington
  • University of Washington- Tacoma
  • Walla Walla University
  • Whitworth University
Eligible Certificate Program Institutions:
  • Bellevue Community College
  • Centralia College
  • Clark Community College
  • Clover Park Community College
  • Columbia Basin College
  • Edmonds College
  • Grays Harbor College
  • Highline College
  • Lake Washington Institute of Technology
  • Lower Columbia College
  • Olympic College
  • Peninsula College
  • Seattle Central College
  • Skagit Valley College
  • Spokane Falls Community College
  • Tacoma Community College
  • Wenatchee Valley College
  • Whatcom Community College
  • Yakima Valley College
     

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Complete the program application.
  • If awarded, must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
  • Must be accepted into and maintain enrollment at an eligible institution leading to a degree in an approved behavioral health program.
  • Intend to pursue employment at an eligible site. Please review the Eligible Sites tab.
  • File the current academic year FAFSA or WASFA.
  • Accepts service obligation requirement in exchange for funding.
  • Review Program Reference Guide.

Eligible Sites

Eligible Sites

To search which sites are eligible to complete a service obligation, review under the Behavioral Health Licensures dropdown on the WA Health Corps Programs portal. 

Program Guidelines:

The Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship accepts applicants pursuing an eligible behavioral health program. Applicants must complete their application and submit their FAFSA or WASFA before the deadline to be considered for an award. If selected, applicants must submit their FAFSA or WASFA annually to receive their award.

The scholarship award will be determined by financial need. Applicants in two- and three-year programs can receive up to $41,000 across their program length. Advanced standing programs (one-year programs) can receive up to $15,500. Applicants in regular standing programs that have one year remaining can receive up to $15,500. Award amounts are determined by unmet need. Recipients are advised to consult with their tax advisor regarding any tax implications and consult with their financial aid office. 

Recipients of the scholarship must commit to providing services at an eligible behavioral health site for a minimum of three years after completion of their program. 

Recipients must sign a promissory note as acceptance in WSAC's Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship program. 

Application Process

Application Process:

Post-Graduation Service Obligation

Service Obligation:

Following program completion, recipients will enter a six-month grace period to obtain a licensure or credential that will allow them to practice as a behavioral health professional in their respective field.

Recipients must obtain their licensure or credential and be placed before the six-month grace period ends; otherwise, they risk the scholarship converting into a loan.  

Recipients must provide services and report annually to the Washington Student Achievement Council for a minimum of three years, not to exceed five years.

Recipients may practice under:

  • Associate
  • Agency Affiliated
  • Licensed

Failing to meet these PGSO requirements may result in the scholarship converting into a loan. Recipients are encouraged to contact bhcs@wsac.wa.gov should they have any questions or concerns about meeting PGSO expectations. 

Preference

Preference:

Per WAC policy, preference will be given to students residing in a rural area or who intend to serve in a rural area. Applicants interested in serving their Post-Graduation Service Obligation (PGSO) in non-rural sites are still encouraged to apply.