For a student to be eligible for a Washington college grant they must:

(1) Demonstrate financial need under RCW 28B.92.205.

(2) Be a resident of the state of Washington in accordance with RCW 28B.15.012 (2)(a) through (e).

(3) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent or for those without a high school credential, meet the ability to benefit option. Equivalent standards include a general education development certificate or a certificate of completion of a home-based instruction under chapter 28A.200 RCW.

For a student without a high school diploma or its equivalent, a school may accept:

(a) A recognized ability to benefit test as defined by federal financial aid regulations;

(b) Completion of at least six college level credits towards an eligible program of study;

(c) Alternate state equivalent approved by the U.S. Department of Education; or

(d) Coenrollment in Washington state's Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program (I-BEST) and High school+ (HS+) programs that include an eligible program of study as defined in WAC 250-21-010(18).

(4) Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student at a participating postsecondary institution in an eligible program.

(a) Be enrolled in a course load of at least three credits per quarter or the equivalent.

(b) Not be pursuing a degree in theology.

(5) Or be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW.

(6) Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in WAC 250-21-010(16).

(7) Not have received a bachelor's degree or higher or its foreign equivalent.

(8) Have submitted the free application for federal student aid or alternative application provided by the office.

(9) Not owe a refund or repayment on a state grant and is not in default on a state student loan.

(10) Not exceed the following Washington college and the state need grant usage limits of the equivalent of ten full-time semesters or fifteen full-time quarters or equivalent combination of these two or the clock hour equivalent.

Usage limits for students who are attending schools that are closed will have their usage limits restored for any terms received at the closing school.

(11) Any student who has obtained a state grant through means of a willfully false statement or failure to reveal any material fact, condition, or circumstance affecting eligibility will be subject to applicable civil or criminal penalties.