DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program
Fast Facts for Students
What is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)?
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is a grant that allows you to attend any public institution in the nation as if you're a resident of the school's state. You pay the low in-state tuition and the grant pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 a year. With a maximum of 5 award years that can amount to a lifetime of $50,000, this grant makes affordable college tuition a reality.
You can also use TAG to attend private post-secondary institutions in the metropolitan area and any historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. Up to $2,500 in grant money is available per year for a maximum of 5 award years. That can amount to $12,500 in savings.
 
Who is eligible for these grants?
- You must currently be a DC resident and have lived in the District of Columbia for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of your freshman year of college.
- You must plan to or be currently enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or certificate program.
- Use our convenient checklist to determine if you're eligible.
Which institutions are eligible for the award?
Public Institutions
You may use the DC Tuition Assistance Grant to attend any one of the more than 2,500 public colleges and universities in the nation. The award is paid directly to the institution and is equal to the difference between the in-state and the out-of-state tuition (up to $10,000 per year). There is a lifetime maximum of $50,000. Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible for the grants.
DCTAG may not be used to attend the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as District residents already pay the in-state tuition.
Private Institutions
You may use DCTAG to attend private nonprofit colleges and universities in the Washington metropolitan area: District of Columbia; the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax; and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Montgomery, and Prince George's. You may also use it to attend any private HBCU nationwide. You may not use DCTAG to pay tuition at proprietary institutions of higher education.
Private institutions outside the Washington metropolitan area, excluding HBCUs, are not eligible.
Which academic year does the 2005-2006 award cover?
You should complete a DCTAG application if you expect to enroll in a college or university between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. You may use DCTAG for summer school as long as you do not exceed the maximum amount that you can receive in an award year. You must, however, attend the same institution as the fall and spring terms.
How do I apply for DCTAG?
- Once you have determined you're eligible, complete the DC OneApp online or download a printable application.
- If you choose the paper application, complete it and mail it along with all supporting documents as soon as possible to:
DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program
441 4th Street NW, Suite 350 North
Washington, DC 20001
- Faxed copies or photocopies of the application will not be accepted. Please try to submit your application early; You should also encourage your parents or legal guardians to file their DC income taxes as soon as possible following January 1, 2004.
What happens after I submit my application?
- DCTAG will send you a written confirmation that your application has been received.
- If additional information or documentation is needed to determine eligibility, DCTAG will contact you.
- DCTAG will send you an eligibility determination letter once all documentation has been received and the review process is complete.
- If you receive a letter that states you are not eligible, the reasons will be clearly outlined, and you will be given information on the appeal process.
- If you are determined to be eligible for DCTAG
- YOU MUST SEND A COPY OF THE DCTAG LETTER OF ELIGIBILITY TO THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OF THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY YOU WILL ATTEND. Please verify the institution received your letter.
- The college will determine your grant amount based on your current eligibility status.
- The college will invoice the DCTAG office for that amount after the add/drop period for each semester. DCTAG pays the college directly within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.
- If you attend more than one college during the year, you must contact the DCTAG office immediately.
- Summer school funding may be possible only if you have grant funds remaining after the fall and spring terms and you attend the same institution as the previous terms. You must also be enrolled at least half-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- I'd like to know more about DCTAG.
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