Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Washington State
Overview
The BaS pathway is one of three routes to high-demand careers in Washington State administered by the Washington Student Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS). It offers up to $22,500 in scholarship funding plus career-readiness services for students pursuing high-demand STEM and health care majors. WSOS funds can be applied to expenses beyond tuition — for example, housing, transportation, food, and other college-related costs — and may be used for any qualifying STEM or health care program at eligible public or private colleges and universities in Washington.
Who should consider BaS?
This pathway is designed for students aiming for bachelor’s degrees in fields such as computer science, nursing, engineering, or other STEM and health-care disciplines. It is also appropriate for those who plan to earn an associate degree first and then continue on to complete a bachelor’s.
Key dates — 2026–27 cycle
- Application opens: January 14, 2026
- Application deadline: February 26, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. PST
- FAFSA/WASFA filing deadline: February 26, 2026
- Selection notifications sent: April 22, 2026
- Scholarship acceptance deadline: May 6, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. PST
Eligibility requirements
Residency
- You must be a Washington State resident. Generally, residency means you have lived in Washington for the 12 months immediately before starting college or the program. WSOS accepts applications from undocumented students.
- Questions about residency? Email info@waopportunityscholarship.org.
Financial need
- Your family income must fall at or below 125% of the Washington state median family income. Use the income figures reported on tax returns and on your FAFSA or WASFA when checking this limit.
- Dependent applicants should report their parents’/guardians’ total family income; independent applicants report their own family income.
- Completion of the FAFSA or WASFA is required. File as early as possible to allow time for processing.
Academic plan and enrollment
- You must plan to enroll in an eligible STEM or health-care major at an eligible Washington college or university.
- You must enroll in at least 3 credits each fall, winter, and spring term while participating in the program.
Prior education
- You must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- You must have earned, or expect to earn by June of the year you apply, a Washington state high school credential.
- By the application deadline you must have either:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale shown on a current high school or college transcript; OR
- A passing GED score (45 on the 1988 series, 450 on the 2002 series, or 145 on the 2014 series).
- If, since high school graduation, you have already completed more than 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits in college by the application deadline, you are not eligible to apply. Note: college credits earned through Running Start or other dual-credit high school programs do not count toward this credit maximum; having more than 90 quarter or 60 semester credits from Running Start does not make you ineligible.
How to apply
1. Confirm you meet the eligibility rules above.
2. Complete the WSOS BaS scholarship application when the portal opens.
3. File the FAFSA or WASFA (required). File early to avoid delays.
4. If applicable, apply for Federal Education Tax Credits.
Need help or have questions?
Email info@waopportunityscholarship.org for assistance or questions about eligibility, residency, or the application process. More detailed information and resources will be published as the 2026 application window approaches.