The DC higher education financial service is a state program that offers tuition fee assistance and scholarships for residents of DC. Programs and services offered by the higher education financial services include: the DC adoption scholarship program and the D.C tuition assistance program. The tuition assistance program offered by the Higher Education Financial services help undergraduate students to pay out of state college tuition fees, while the adoption scholarships offers grants and awards to adopted children in D.C.

The D.C higher education financial services is an initiative that aims to help students to pay their tuition fees, through grants, scholarships and awards. This program offers two major services, the D.C. Adoption Scholarship (DCAS) and the DC Tuition assistance grant (DCTAG).

The DC Adoption Scholarship (DCAS)

The DCAS program offers grants, awards and other forms of financial assistance to needy adopted children who lost their parents in the September 11th 2001 terrorist bombing, in the District of Columbia. The amount of grant ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 a year with the maximum period being 6 years.

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

This service assists students in paying out of state tuition by providing the deficit between in state tuition and out of state tuition. Like the DCAS, the DCTAG offers to pay up to $10,000 a year for a time period not exceeding 6 years and a set lifetime maximum of $50,000. This program has proven to be instrumental in helping students to pursue their academic interests in colleges outside the District of Columbia.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the services offered by the DC higher education financial services, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements are:

• For one to be considered for the program he or she needs to provide proof of US citizenship or legal residency. This is an important requirement and thus you should remember to attach proof when submitting your application.
• You should have resided in D.C for a minimum of 12 months prior to submitting the application. These helps shield against those individuals who move to DC just to gain access to the program
• You should have a good academic record. This is relative and is usually pegged on the requirements of the college you are attending.
• You should have a clean record with regards to paying federal student loans. Any records of defaulting may `lead` to automatic disqualification.
• You should have enrolled in an ongoing bachelors or associate program
• First time applicants should be 25 years or below at the time of application.

Higher Education Financial Services - DC Tuition Assistance Program Application Instructions

You can decide to apply to the program by obtaining a physical application form, from the Higher Education Financial services. After acquiring the forms you are required to fill out all responses and submit it via mail, or by delivering it personally to the higher education financial services offices.

Office Contact Information

Higher Education Financial Services
Contact Phone:�(202) 727-2824
Office Hours:�Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Online Application

Computer savvy individuals might find it easier to fill out an online application form. This is convenient as it allows the applicant to fill out the form at any time, anywhere provided he or she has access to the internet. All one needs to do is to follow this link.

You can ask for application assistance by calling the Higher Education Financial services during working hours. This is particularly helpful as you will be assisted by an official who has an understanding of the application process, and thus will advise you accordingly.