Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington State

BaS at a glance
- BaS (Bachelor’s Student pathway) is one of three WSOS programs that help Washington students enter high-demand careers.
- The program offers up to $22,500 in scholarship funds plus career-launching supports for students pursuing eligible STEM or health care majors.
- WSOS can pay for more than tuition — for example, housing, transportation, food, and other college-related costs. Funding applies to eligible majors at eligible public or private colleges and universities in Washington.

Is BaS right for you?
If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, nursing, engineering, or another STEM or health care field — or if you want to complete an associate degree and then continue to a bachelor’s — keep reading. BaS is designed for students on that path.

Important 2026–27 dates
- Application opens: January 14, 2026
- Application deadline: February 26, 2026, 9:00 p.m. PST
- FAFSA/WASFA filing deadline: February 26, 2026
- Selection notification: April 22, 2026
- Acceptance deadline: May 6, 2026, 9:00 p.m. PST

Eligibility — the essentials
Residency
- You must be a Washington resident. In most cases that means living in Washington for one year immediately before starting college or a program.
- WSOS accepts undocumented applicants.
- Questions about residency? Email info@waopportunityscholarship.org or check WSOS residency requirements.

Financial need
- Your family income must be at or below 125% of Washington’s median family income. Use the income shown on your family tax returns and on your FAFSA/WASFA when checking limits.
- Dependent students use parent/guardian income; independent students use their own family income.
- You must complete the FAFSA or the WASFA. File as early as possible to allow for processing delays.

Education plan and enrollment
- You must plan to enroll in an eligible STEM or health care major at an eligible Washington college or university.
- Plan to enroll in at least three credits each fall, winter, and spring term.

Previous education
- You must not already have a bachelor’s degree.
- You must have earned (or will earn by June of the application year) a Washington high school credential.
- By the application deadline you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a current high school or college transcript OR meet passing GED scores (45 on the 1988 series, 450 on the 2002 series, or 145 on the 2014 series).
- If, at the application deadline, you have more than 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits earned since graduating high school, you are not eligible. (Credits earned through Running Start or other dual-credit high school programs do NOT count toward that 90/60 limit; you can still apply if your higher credit total comes from those programs.)

How to apply — a simple checklist
1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria above.
2. Complete the BaS scholarship application (opens January 14, 2026).
3. File the FAFSA or WASFA — do this early to avoid processing delays.
4. If eligible, apply for Federal Education Tax Credits.

Quick tips from a teacher
- Start your FAFSA/WASFA as soon as you can — delays are common.
- Keep copies of transcripts and your FAFSA/WASFA confirmation.
- If you’re unsure about residency, credits, or income calculations, email info@waopportunityscholarship.org for clarification.

If you want, I can help you organize the documents you’ll need for the application or make a checklist tailored to your situation. Which would you like?