Today, State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell is encouraging DC residents interested in higher education to apply for two tuition support programs: the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program. Applications for both programs open this week and will close on August 21, 2026.
“In the District of Columbia, we know that when our students enroll in college and earn a two‑ or four‑year degree, it changes the trajectory of their lives and strengthens the future of our city. Programs like DC TAG and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program make higher education more affordable and more accessible, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to opportunity,” said State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. “By expanding pathways to college and career, we are helping more DC residents attend, graduate, and step into jobs that put them firmly on the path to the middle class.”
Applications for DCTAG and the Mayor’s Scholars program require information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility for most applicants.
DCTAG is a federally funded program that pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at schools attended by District students. Students are eligible to receive up to $10,000 toward tuition annually at public colleges nationwide and up to $2,500 toward tuition at private colleges in DC and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Interested students can apply for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant through the DC OneApp at dconeapp.dc.gov.
The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program is a locally funded program that provides need-based assistance for eligible students earning their first associate or bachelor’s degree. Both incoming and current college students are eligible for this award program. Students must apply to each program annually, so all 2025-26 applicants and awardees must reapply to be considered for 2026-27 awards. Applicants should follow each program’s application instructions and document requirements to ensure their application is complete.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) manages grants, scholarships and other programs that support students’ college and career learning opportunities.
Visit OSSE’s website for information about these grants and their application processes as well as other resources for collegebound residents.