DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) (Study Support for Washington DC Students)

DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) (Study Support for Washington DC Students)

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is a financial aid program designed to help students from the District of Columbia access higher education opportunities across the United States. Administered by the Government of the District of Columbia, the program provides significant tuition support to eligible students attending both public and private institutions.

The program is intended to expand college access by reducing the cost gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition, making higher education more affordable for DC residents.

Degree Level

The DCTAG program supports students enrolled in:

• Undergraduate certificate programs
• Associate degree programs
• Bachelor’s degree programs
• Eligible programs at accredited colleges and universities

Available Subjects

There are no subject restrictions for DCTAG. Students can pursue any field of study, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Medicine and healthcare
• Social sciences
• Arts and humanities
• Technology and STEM fields

Benefits

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant provides strong financial support, including:

• Up to $10,000 per year toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico
• Up to $2,500 per academic year for private colleges and universities in Washington, D.C.
• Additional support for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide
• Access to more than 300 participating colleges and universities
• Reduced financial burden for out-of-state education

This program significantly increases access to higher education for DC residents by making non-local colleges more affordable.

Eligible Nationalities

The scholarship is strictly for:

• Residents of Washington, D.C.
• U.S. citizens or eligible DC residents meeting domicile requirements

Applicants may be required to verify DC residency history, especially if they have taken breaks from college enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DCTAG program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a resident of Washington, D.C.
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible college or university
• Must demonstrate financial need through financial aid documentation
• Must meet DC domicile and residency requirements
• May need to provide additional verification if:
  • They previously attended college
  • They took a gap year or more from DCTAG eligibility
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen under DC rules

Application Procedure

Students must follow these steps to apply:

1. Complete the DCTAG Application
   Submit the application through the official DC financial aid portal.
2. Submit Financial Aid Information
   Provide FAFSA or other required financial aid documents.
3. Verify Residency
   Submit documents confirming DC residency and domicile status if requested.
4. Choose an Eligible Institution
   Enroll or plan to enroll in an approved college or university in the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, or eligible private/HBCU institutions.
5. Meet the Deadline
   Ensure all required documents are submitted by August 15, 2026.
6. Await Approval Notification
   Approved students will be notified about funding eligibility and award allocation.

About the Program

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) was created by the U.S. Congress in 1999 under the District of Columbia College Access Act and later expanded through amendments in 2002 and 2007. It aims to improve higher education access for DC residents by making out-of-state and private college tuition more affordable.