Independent Colleges of Washington

Independent Colleges of Washington member campuses offer good jobs and educate more than 30,000 students, helping these individuals develop the skills and build the knowledge they need to bring their purpose and passion to jobs with our state’s employers.

As we look toward the 2027 session, here is a step-by-step guidebook dedicated to student advocacy. Learn how to contact legislators, share your story, and mobilize others. Start preparing now: wa-sen.org #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg

"These inequitable cuts fall on students living on low income who attend not-for-profit colleges and universities and undermine our collective efforts to meet educational attainment and workforce goals," says ICW President Terri Standish-Kuon. Read more: tinyurl.com/4yf584zb

Contact your legislators to tell them your disappointment and share why restoring student aid matters to you and your community 🔗⬇️

SB 5828 was not included in the final budget. This is deeply disappointing for the thousands of Washington students who spoke up for their futures. To everyone who fought this session—thank you. Take care of yourselves. The fight continues. #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg #CollegeAccess

“Financial burden should not be what makes the difference.” — Oscar Pérez SSB 5828 passed House Appropriations. Now it’s in Rules. Please, move the bill forward. #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg

“Employers strongly support this bill.” Funding exists. Workforce demand is real. SSB 5828 is in Rules — keep the promise of student financial aid, fund student aid restorations #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg

“This scholarship motivated me in middle school to pursue higher ed.” Hector now faces a 50% cut in his state scholarship – only because of the kind of university he picked for his higher education. SSB 5828 is in Rules.  Advocates: keep reaching out. #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg

What is WEIA? The Workforce Education Investment Act is funded by WA business workforce taxes — & it already has revenue. Student financial aid is a core use of WEIA. Aid should follow the student. Use the account as intended. 🎓 #WAleg #SaveStudentAidWA

College affordability and student support must stay a priority as budget decisions are made. Rep. Dave Paul and I share why in our op-ed in The News Tribune — protecting financial aid, holding the line on tuition, and preserving workforce ed funding. 🔗 thenewstribune.com/opinion/articl…

Step-by-step and on your way to the money you need to pay for college, career school, or trade school. 👣 When you understand the financial aid process, it can feel less overwhelming.

Every budget reflects our priorities. Even in a tough fiscal year, Washington should keep college affordable, support workforce training, and protect programs that help students succeed. Investing in higher ed is investing in our people and our long-term economic strength.

Thank you, @SenatorNobles for sponsoring the bill to restore aid for students attending SPU and other private colleges in Washington state.

FANTASTIC news, y'all — I just had another bill PASS the Senate!!! 💛 SB 5828 restores full financial aid support so low-income students can afford private, nonprofit four-year colleges. 🎓 🔗 app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?B…

Today by a strong, bipartisan vote, the Washington State Senate approved #SB5828, to continue a conversation about restoring state financial aid funding for the College Bound Scholarship and Washington College Grant. On to consideration in the House! 👏 🎓#SaveStudentAid #waleg

7,000 students were hit by last year’s aid cuts. Up to 13,000 more will feel it in the next two years. Many are first-gen, students of color, and future nurses, educators, and engineers. Keep the promise. Restore student aid. #SaveStudentAidWA #WAleg seattletimes.com/opinion/keep-p…

The Association of Washington Business testified in strong support of SB 5828, highlighting an important point: state investment in financial aid has grown. Students should not see less aid now, especially when demand for qualified workers is higher than ever.

As lawmakers consider restoring financial aid for students at independent colleges and universities (SB 5828/HB 2567), momentum is clearly building.  The Senate must pass the bill, SB 5828, by 5 p.m. TODAY (Feb. 17), for it to advance. Take action: bit.ly/4aSSvWi

Today is the floor vote on SB 5828, sponsored by @SenatorNobles. 7,000 students are impacted. Thank you, lawmakers, for keeping this conversation moving. #WAleg #SaveStudentAidWA senatedemocrats.wa.gov/nobles/2026/01…

Financial aid is the reason students like Jari Tavira could stay close to home, support their family, and graduate debt-free. yakimaherald.com/news/local/edu…

For students like Jack Kashork, the WA College Grant made college possible — and unlocked even more aid. Cuts to private nonprofit students create real gaps that families can’t fill. #SaveStudentAidWA #waleg eedition.spokesman.com/infinity/artic…