Don't let cost hold you back from pursuing your dreams. YVC is making college more affordable than ever before, with expanded financial aid options and a variety of programs to help you reach your goals. Whether you're looking to start a new career or simply enhance your skills, there's never been a better time to invest in yourself.
There is more funding assistance than ever before
Most residents of Washington state qualify for financial aid, thanks in part to the
recently expanded Washington College Grant. The WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country.
The amount you receive depends on family size, income and the cost of your program.
For example, if your family of four makes $78,500 or less, your college or career
training could be free, with families making up to $120,500 also eligible for some
funding.
Students may also qualify for additional state grants, which do not need to be repaid. Moreover, if you are a member of an underrepresented demographic group or unemployed, even more opportunities are open to help cover the cost of your education.
Here’s how to take advantage of all the financial assistance available:
- To unlock financial aid for college, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Undocumented residents of Washington are eligible for the WASFA and can receive state financial aid. The 2025-26 academic year applications for both FAFSA and WASFA are anticipated to open on December 1, 2024.
- Special funding options are available for current and prospective YVC students interested in workforce education programs and training. Programs include Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET), Early Achievers Grant, Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst and Worker Retraining. These programs can help cover the cost of tuition, books, childcare and more.
- More than 150 scholarships are available through the YVC Foundation with an average award amount of $4,000.
- YVC also offers a free laptop loan program and support to help students successfully pursue online learning.
It’s a good time to sharpen your skills or train for a new career
Now is a great time to focus on your skills or begin training for a new career that is in high demand and offers a family-sustaining wage. If you’re receiving unemployment benefits or live in a low-income household, you likely even qualify for free or very low-cost training.
- Identify a skill you’d like to develop, whether it’s a “hard” technical skill like project management, or a “soft” people skill such as improving communication skills (something employers in every field value).
- Research career paths online, in podcasts, books or from trusted people in your life. Find out which industries are likely to see job growth in coming years and see what skills and backgrounds people in those industries have.
- Check out the numerous degrees and certificates available at YVC. Sign up for an in-person, hybrid or online course that works with your schedule.
- If you’re not sure where to start, contact one of our academic advisors to get information on reaching your educational goals.
You can start small and take on more as you go
Community colleges are flexible and continuously admit new students. You can start or stop when you want, sample courses from multiple academic pathways, or enroll part time and still advance your goals or work towards a certificate, 2- or 4-year degree.
Take the first step today! Visit yvcc.edu/apply to get started.