The District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) provides up to $10,000 per year of the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for students who attend a public colleges and universities in the U.S. It also allows $2,500 for private historically black colleges and universities nationwide; private colleges in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; and two-year public colleges outside Washington, DC. A chart showing examples of college costs taking DCTAG in account is below. DCTAG must be applied for yearly.

Students and families are advised to start learning about DCTAG and the documents that will be required to apply in the fall of senior year. Visit the DCTAG website, https://osse.dc.gov/dctag, for links to the following information:

  • Steps and timeline for the DCTAG application process: https://osse.dc.gov/studentsfamilies
  • Checklist of required supporting documents
  • Maximum income table
  • Contact info for your DCTAG advisor
  • Link to the DC OneApp, which is how you submit your DCTAG application

DCTAG Application Deadlines

The 2024-25 DCTAG Application, for students entering college for the 2024-25 school year and students already in college, opens on March 11, 2024 and closes on September 6, 2024, 3 pm. It will include the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.

See the DCTAG website for documents to prepare in advance of the February opening of the application. The 2024-25 DCTAG application requires completed 2023 taxes. If receiving DCTAG, you must reapply each year.

Getting Help with Your DCTAG Application

If you need help with your DCTAG application or documents, contact your DCTAG Counselor, assigned by student last name, at the bottom of this page: https://osse.dc.gov/studentsfamilies.

Downloading Your DCTAG Award Letter and How Your College Will Receive the DCTAG Funds

Find this information here: https://osse.dc.gov/awards

How to Change the College You Designated for DCTAG