At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Can help with approved college/vocational education and living costs, based on attendance cost and unmet need after other aid. Awards vary; no fixed current maximum is established in these reviewed materials.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington DCYF ↗
- Income / financial rules
- The award uses attendance cost minus the student’s aid. The ETV participation agreement requires financial-aid eligibility and receipt of Pell; it is not a universal household-income test.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Department of Children Youth and Families ↗
- Who to check first
- Meet a named foster route: current state/tribal dependency/care at 15+, age 18–20 exiting at majority, or age 15–20 leaving Washington/tribal care at 15+ for adoption/relative guardianship. Other-state care can require review.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Department of Children Youth and Families ↗
- Application timing
- 2026–27 priority deadline: April 30, 2026. Later applications are reviewed only as funds allow; this is not a verified final closing date. Renew/apply for the correct year and term.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Department of Children Youth and Families ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Use DCYF’s correct-year new/renewal ETV application. The 2026–27 priority window ended April 30, 2026; later applications are considered only with funds available. Send the completed form by the official route and await eligibility/document requests.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Department of Children Youth and Families ↗
- 2Complete annual FAFSA/renewal/participation documents, sign a spending plan each term and provide the aid confirmation, attendance cost, award letter, beginning-term schedule and end-term unofficial transcript. Complete payee registration for payment.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Department of Children Youth and Families ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Can help with approved college/vocational education and living costs, based on attendance cost and unmet need after other aid. Awards vary; no fixed current maximum is established in these reviewed materials.
Is there an income limit?
The award uses attendance cost minus the student’s aid. The ETV participation agreement requires financial-aid eligibility and receipt of Pell; it is not a universal household-income test.
When should I apply?
2026–27 priority deadline: April 30, 2026. Later applications are reviewed only as funds allow; this is not a verified final closing date. Renew/apply for the correct year and term.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.