SNG Program - Questions & Answers

How do I apply for the Washington State Need Grant?

If you’ve filled out a FAFSA form and will attend an institution that participates in the SNG Program (see participant list location), you’ve already applied; there is no separate application for SNG. 

When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include all of the school codes for the schools you are considering, so that they receive your application information. The financial aid office will use the information you provided on your FAFSA to check for SNG eligibility.

I believe I qualify for the SNG, but did not receive it in my award package. Why?

The financial aid office determines eligibility and awarding of the SNG. If, after reviewing the following, you still don’t understand why you didn’t receive the grant, contact the financial aid office at your school.

There are several possible reasons why you did not receive the grant, such as:

  • No available funds:  There are more people eligible for SNG than there are funds available. Early submission of the FAFSA is important.
  • Exhausted quarters of eligibility remaining:  Each student is entitled to a maximum of 15 quarters of SNG in their lifetime.  If you’ve received the SNG award in the past, you may be at your limit.
  • Exhausted program length:  Students may not exceed 125% of their published program length.  If you take longer than expected to earn your degree, you might run into eligibility issues.
  • Previous associate degree:  If you’ve received an associate degree using SNG funds within the last 5 years, you are not eligible to receive SNG towards another associate degree until five years has passed since earning the first one.
  • Previous Bachelor’s Degree:  If you’ve received a bachelor’s degree, including a bachelor’s degree from another country, you are not eligible to receive SNG.
  • An unqualified degree program:  Theology majors are not eligible to receive SNG. 
  • Unsatisfactory progress:  Students cannot be in an unsatisfactory progress or denied status.
  • Financial aid repayments:  Students owing a repayment to the SNG or any other state or federal student aid program are not eligible.

Does the school have to give me SNG if I qualify?

No. The State Need Grant is awarded on a funds-available basis.  Although you may be eligible to receive the grant, you may not get awarded due to a lack of funding.

How does the distribution and awarding of the SNG work?

The Legislature determines the budget for the SNG on a biennial basis. Using data submitted by the schools from the previous year, the Washington Student Achievement Council uses a formula to determine how much of that legislative appropriation will be allocated to each institution. The institutions verify student eligibility using FAFSA and other source information. If students are eligible and there are funds available, funds will be distributed to the students.

What is the income cut-off for this year?

Please refer to the Median Family Income (MFI) chart on the State Need Grant information page.  Find where your family size and income falls within the chart.  If you have more than one in college, increase your family size by one for each additional family member in college.

Keep in mind that although your income may qualify, there are other considerations that factor into eligibility.  If you have a question about your eligibility, contact the financial aid office at your school. 

What are the award amounts for this year?

Please refer to the award chart on the State Need Grant information page.  Award amounts are different based on the type of school you attend, your enrollment status, and your family income.

I might owe a State Need Grant Repayment - can I get information about this?

Please see the SNG Repayment FAQ’s.