Tuition
Before 1980, who set tuition for WA's public colleges?
The state legislature
What was Washington's first need-based aid program called?
The State Need Grant
What does WSAC stand for?
Washington Student Achievement Council
What year was the University of WA founded?
1861
True or False: WCG funding covers all student expenses, including housing and food
False
What major change was passed after the Great Recession?
Institutions could increase their own tuition
What program replaced the SNG in 2019?
The Washington College Grant
What agency did WSAC replace in 2012
The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB)
What year was WA's community & technical college system created?
1967
Name one major modern policy debate in WA higher education besides tuition and aid
Declining enrollment, workforce alignment, student retention, campus equity initiatives, free college proposals, etc.
What factor is now used to determine how much tuition can increase each year?
Average wage growth
True or False: The WCG guarantees funding for all eligible students
True!!
True or False: WSAC sets tuition rates for all WA college
False, the state legislature does. WSAC is a state agency under the Governor.
Which decades saw the creation of UW and WSU branch campuses?
1980s to 1990s
How much more did the legislature try to increase tuition in the 2025 legislative session?
^The specific additional percent, not what the total percent would be
Additional 5%
What's the maximum percentage tuition could increase for 2025-26?
What was one major failure of the old State Need Grant system?
Tens of thousands of eligible students were left unfunded
What was the main role of the HECB before it was dissolved?
Coordinating higher education policy
What was the first higher education institution established after statehood in 1889?
WSU (was Washington State College)
What larger state issue is having a big impact on higher education policy? (ie. the reason why things like tuition increases are being discussed)
State budget deficit
What year was tuition frozen for the first time in history?
2015
What tax primarily funds the Washington College Grant
A B&O tax going into the Workforce Education Investment Account
Name one reason the legislature replaced HECB with WSAC
- Focus on attainment
- Address equity gaps
How many colleges are in WA? (Including UW & WSU branch campuses individually)
48
What law related to financial aid is WSA trying to repeal?
RCW 28B.10.281, the ability to take away student's financial aid for protesting with the intent to disrupt