Washington, D.C. State Aid Programs (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers

DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
DC College Access Program (DC-CAP)
Colleges located in Washington, D.C.

🎓 DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) helps eligible D.C. residents attend public colleges outside the District by covering the in-state/out-of-state tuition gap—up to $10,000 per year (maximum $50,000 lifetime).

Who Qualifies? D.C. residents (first-time applicants must be under 26), HS diploma/GED, FAFSA-eligible.
Where You Can Use It: Public colleges nationwide (tuition differential). Some participating private HBCUs in the region may be eligible at lower caps.
Timing: Priority deadline typically July 1; funds are limited and first-come, first-served.

🏛️ Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program

The Mayor’s Scholars Program provides up to $4,000 per year to eligible D.C. residents enrolled at participating colleges in the District. Awards are limited and granted on a first-come basis.

Eligibility: D.C. residency, FAFSA completion, enrollment at a participating D.C. institution.
Timing: Application typically opens in spring; apply as early as possible after FAFSA opens.

📘 DC College Access Program (DC-CAP)

DC-CAP supports graduates of D.C. public and public charter high schools with advising plus grants of up to $4,000 per year toward college costs (generally renewable up to 5 years).

Eligibility: D.C. public/charter HS graduates; financial need required.
Use With Others: Can often be combined with DCTAG and institutional aid, subject to each program’s rules.

🏫 Colleges in Washington, D.C.

Here are the major degree-granting institutions located in the District (listed alphabetically):

American University
The Catholic University of America
Gallaudet University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Howard University
Trinity Washington University
University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

Note: Some programs above may have separate scholarship pages on CRP. Link them here as you publish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (D.C. Aid)

Can D.C. students use DCTAG at any college?

No. DCTAG is for public colleges outside D.C. (covers in-state vs out-of-state tuition gap) and select private HBCUs in the region. It doesn’t apply to private colleges outside that list.

Does DCTAG make college free?

Not usually. It covers up to $10,000 per year toward tuition, but families are still responsible for the remaining costs. It’s a huge discount, but not a full ride.

Can students stack DCTAG with Mayor’s Scholars or DC-CAP?

Yes, in many cases. DCTAG applies to out-of-state public colleges, while Mayor’s Scholars and DC-CAP are for in-District or need-based support. Families should check each program’s rules to confirm stacking.

When should my student apply?

Apply as early as possible. DCTAG has a July 1 priority deadline, and funds are limited. Mayor’s Scholars and DC-CAP also open early, so filing FAFSA right away is key.

⭐ Final Thoughts on D.C. Aid

If you’re a parent in Washington, D.C., the choices can feel confusing — but they don’t have to be. The DCTAG program is one of the most generous in the country, lowering the cost of out-of-state public colleges to something close to in-state tuition. At the same time, Mayor’s Scholars and DC-CAP give extra support for students who stay local. Together, these programs can make a big difference in what your family actually pays. The key is applying early and stacking awards where possible so you don’t leave money on the table.

✅ Last updated: September 13, 2025