DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

Because the District runs no public university of its own, DCTAG pays down the out-of-state tuition gap for DC residents: up to $15,000 a year at public colleges anywhere in the country, capped at $75,000 over a lifetime, and up to $3,750 a year at private HBCUs and at private nonprofit colleges around DC. Students file the DC OneApp every year they want funding, attach a processed FAFSA Submission Summary showing a Student Aid Index, and upload proof of at least 12 months of District domicile. The window runs from February 2 to August 21 at 3 p.m., but OSSE releases funds in the order applications are completed and warns that a finished application does not guarantee money. Document review takes about seven business days, so filing in February or March is the safe play. Grants go to the college after the add and drop period.

How hard is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) to win?

This is not a competition. Aid is allocated by a published formula, so meeting the criteria and filing on time is what determines whether the money arrives.

What drives the odds here

Odds on a scholarship are mostly a question of how many students can enter. Each rule below changes the size of that field.

• Fewer rivalsOpen only to District of Columbia residents
• More rivalsA five-figure award attracts a bigger field

How Solyo estimates this: State programs that allocate by published formula are modelled on qualification and filing, not on competition, because there is no selection committee choosing between applicants. These are estimates derived from each award's published structure, not reported acceptance rates, which almost no scholarship provider discloses. Treat them as a way to rank where the hours go, not as a guarantee.

Who can apply for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)?

These are the eligibility rules Solyo verified against the official award page, translated into plain English. Your student must meet each one.

• ✓Must be a resident of District of Columbia
• ✓Open to high school seniors and current college students
• ✓Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card)

What the application takes

No essay, recommendation letters, or transcript are required. This is one of the lighter applications in the directory.

Deadline and application cycle

The current deadline is August 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET. This award runs on an annual cycle, with deadlines around August 21 each year. Applications open February 2. OSSE says funds are released first come, first served, so submit the OneApp in February and upload residency documents the same day.

DC OneApp opens

February 2, 2026

Residency documents uploaded, allow seven business days for review

February or March 2026

Application closes

August 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET

Funds sent to the college

After the fall add and drop period

Common questions about the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

More state grants & programs

• 802 Opportunity Grant
  Full tuition and the $100 administrative fee at CCV (last-dollar)
• Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program
  Varies by SAI and school type per statutory table (amounts prorated if funding is short)
• Alabama Student Grant Program
  Up to $3,000/yr ($1,500 per semester; actual amount depends on state funding)
• Alaska Education Grant
  $500-$4,000/yr based on need and enrollment level
• Alaska Performance Scholarship
  $3,500-$7,000/yr depending on tier
• Arizona Promise Program
  Full tuition & mandatory fees at Arizona public universities (last-dollar)

Lists this award appears on

• District of Columbia Scholarships and State Grants
• No-Essay Scholarships
• Renewable Scholarships (Multi-Year Awards)
• Scholarships With August Deadlines