Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 6209: Concerning financial aid awards for students attending private four-year institutions of higher education.

This bill adjusts Washington State's financial aid program for students attending private four-year colleges. It sets specific maximum grant amounts for private non-profit institutions ($9,739 through 2025-26, then 50% of public research institution awards starting 2026-27) and for private for-profit institutions (similar fixed amounts through 2025-26, transitioning to 50% of public awards in 2026-27). The policy directly affects students enrolled at eligible private four-year colleges in Washington, including both non-profit and for-profit institutions. The key change is shifting from fixed annual amounts to a formula tied to public institution awards beginning in 2026-27.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill sets maximum grant caps for private institutions ($9,739 max through 2025-26), transitioning to 50% of public awards, limiting financial aid access compared to prior support levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 2567: Concerning the Washington college grant and college bound scholarship program for students attending private four-year not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Washington.

HB 2567 updates Washington's college grant program to adjust funding for students attending private four-year non-profit institutions. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, the maximum grant amount for these students will be set at 50% of the average award given to students at public four-year institutions, replacing the previous fixed amount of $9,739 (adjusted annually for tuition growth). This change directly affects students enrolled at eligible private non-profit universities in Washington state who qualify for financial aid. The bill amends existing grant formulas to align private institution funding more closely with public institution awards, effective after the 2025-26 academic year.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill reduces maximum grant for private college students to 50% of public institution average, replacing fixed $9,739, limiting financial support for private higher education access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 5909: Reviewing and discontinuing low-enrollment undergraduate programs at public baccalaureate institutions.

Washington's SB 5909 requires public universities to review undergraduate programs with fewer than 10 graduates annually over five years. After three consecutive years on the review list, institutions must consider discontinuing such programs unless they demonstrate factors like newness, workforce demand, equity needs, or accreditation requirements. If discontinued, schools must create a "teach-out plan" to help current students complete their degrees. The bill mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing all reviewed programs, decisions, and financial/student outcome data.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill mandates review and potential discontinuation of low-enrollment programs, limiting academic options at public universities despite safeguards like teach-out plans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2065: Reducing administrative staffing at institutions of higher education.

HB 2065 requires Washington's public colleges and universities to reduce administrative staffing to 2008 levels by June 30, 2025, directly affecting all state institutions of higher education. The bill mandates each institution calculate reductions based on its 2008 administrative-to-student ratio, resulting in specific cuts (e.g., UW must reduce 2,381 administrative staff equivalents). This will lower state appropriations for fiscal year 2026 by millions of dollars (e.g., $17.6 million for UW), with anticipated tuition savings for students. The goal is to make higher education more affordable by aligning administrative costs with educational mission, without altering academic programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill mandates administrative staff cuts at public colleges, reducing state appropriations by millions (e.g., $17.6M for UW), directly defunding higher education programs.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationDefunds higher education by mandating administrative staff cuts and reducing state appropriations, directly weakening institutional resources.95% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill mandates administrative staff reductions at public colleges, directly cutting jobs and state funding for higher education staff, weakening employment in this sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2054: Limiting the number of full-time equivalent employees in higher education.

HB 2054 limits staffing at Washington's community and technical colleges by requiring that no college employs more than one full-time equivalent employee for every six full-time equivalent enrolled students. This rule applies directly to all community and technical colleges across the state, calculated as an annual average. The bill mandates that colleges maintain this 1:6 employee-to-student ratio as part of their operational standards. It does not change tuition, academic programs, or other core functions, but directly affects how colleges manage their workforce based on enrollment numbers.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill mandates reduced staffing (1:6 employee-to-student ratio) at public colleges, directly restricting state spending on higher education operations without funding alternatives.92% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill mandates a 1:6 employee-to-student ratio, restricting staffing levels at colleges, which limits operational capacity and could reduce educational services.90% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentLimits staff-to-student ratio, reducing employment opportunities for college workers by restricting total employee count, directly limiting employment numbers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5789: Restoring state financial aid assistance to a maximum of 125 percent of credits needed to graduate.

SB 5789 restores the maximum state financial aid eligibility for the Washington College Grant program to 125 percent of the credits required to graduate, replacing a previous higher limit. This change directly affects eligible students pursuing postsecondary credentials who receive state aid, ensuring support aligns with standard program credit requirements. The bill amends key statutes to set this 125% cap, meaning aid will no longer cover credits beyond 125% of a program’s published length. It applies to students meeting financial need criteria and enrolled in Washington institutions or apprenticeships, maintaining existing eligibility rules for low-income residents. The policy update aims to streamline aid usage while preserving access for qualifying students.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill limits state aid coverage to 125% of required credits, restricting support beyond standard program length compared to prior higher limit.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1851: Prohibiting the use of state appropriated funds by institutions of higher education to repair property damaged in a disruptive activity.

HB 1851 prohibits public colleges and universities in Washington from using state funds or tuition/fee revenue to repair property damaged during demonstrations, riots, or other disruptive activities that disrupt campus operations. The bill applies directly to public higher education institutions that permit such events causing property destruction. Key provisions require institutions to cover repair costs themselves using non-state, non-tuition funds, rather than relying on public or student-generated revenue. This policy change specifically targets funding sources for repairs, without restricting protest activities themselves.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts state budget use for campus repairs from disruptive activities, limiting government spending on this specific item by mandating non-state funds.92% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts state funding for repairs after disruptions, limiting institutional resources for higher education infrastructure maintenance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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