Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

BaS is one of three pathways to high-demand careers in Washington State offered by WSOS. This program provides up to a total of $22,500 in scholarship dollars and access to career-launching support services for high-demand STEM and health care majors. WSOS can cover costs beyond tuition, such as housing, transportation, food, and more. Funding can be used for any eligible STEM or health care major at any eligible public or private college or university in Washington state.

Do you want to get a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science, nursing, engineering, or another STEM or health care field? Do you want to get an associate degree before studying to get a bachelor’s degree? Continue reading; BaS is right for you!

Application deadlines

The 2026-27 BaS application opens in January 2026! More information will be added closer to 2026.

Application Opens: January 14, 2026

Application Deadline: February 26, 2026 at 9 p.m. PST

FAFSA/WASFA Filing Deadline: February 26, 2026

Selection Notification: April 22, 2026

Acceptance Deadline: May 6, 2026, at 9 p.m. PST

Eligibility Requirements

Residency:

• You must be a Washington resident. In most cases, a Washington resident lives in the state for one year immediately before starting college or a program. WSOS accepts undocumented applicants.
  • Learn more about WSOS residency requirements.  
  • Questions? Email info@waopportunityscholarship.org.

Financial need:

• Meet the following income limitations: Have a family income that does not exceed 125% of Washington state median family income.
  • When viewing the family income limits, applicants should use the income reported on their family tax returns and the FAFSA/WASFA.
  • Dependent students will report their total family income reported by their parent(s)/guardian(s), while independent students will report their own total family income.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
  • We recommend completing your FAFSA or WASFA as early as possible to account for processing delays.
  • Read more about the FAFSA/WASFA completion tips and processing timelines.  

Education plan:

• Plan to enroll in an eligible STEM or health care major at an eligible Washington state college or university.
• Plan to enroll in at least three credits every fall, winter, and spring terms.

Previous education:

• Have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Have earned or will earn a high school credential in Washington state by June of the year that you apply.
• By the application deadline, you must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale), demonstrated on either a current high school or college transcript, OR a passing GED score (45 on the 1988 series, 450 on the 2002 series, or 145 on the 2014 series).
• If you have been in college since graduating high school and earned more than 90 quarter or 60 semester credits by the application deadline, you are not eligible to apply.
  • If you earned college credits from the Running Start program or other dual-credit high school programs, they do not count toward your eligibility. You can still apply even if you have more than 90-quarter or 60-semester credits from running start.  

How do I apply?

Once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible based on the criteria above:

1. Complete the scholarship application.
2. File the FAFSA or WASFA
   • We recommend filing your FAFSA or WASFA as early as possible to account for processing delays.
3. Apply for Federal Education Tax Credits, if eligible.