Overview
The DCTAG program supports students enrolled in:
Undergraduate certificate programs
Description
The DCTAG program supports students enrolled in:
Undergraduate certificate programs
Associate degree programs
Bachelor’s degree programs
Eligible programs at accredited colleges and universities
Eligibility
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
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
Additional Information
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
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:
Complete the DCTAG Application Submit the application through the official DC financial aid portal.
Submit Financial Aid Information Provide FAFSA or other required financial aid documents.
Verify Residency Submit documents confirming DC residency and domicile status if requested.
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.
Meet the Deadline Ensure all required documents are submitted by August 15, 2026.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
What does DCTAG cover? DCTAG helps cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public universities and provides partial funding for private colleges and HBCUs.
Can I use DCTAG for any college in the U.S.? Yes, eligible students can use the grant at approved public institutions across the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as selected private colleges and HBCUs.
Do I need to reapply every year? Yes, students typically need to renew their application each academic year and continue meeting eligibility requirements.
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