DC-CAP University Partners Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by DC College Access Program (DC-CAP)
About This Scholarship
The DC College Access Program (DC-CAP) is Washington, DC's flagship college access nonprofit, and its University Partners Scholarship is the district's marquee award for public school graduates. Scholars receive $5,000 to $7,500 per year from DC-CAP, renewable for up to five years, plus additional scholarship funding directly from partner universities that can dramatically reduce the total cost of attendance.
Through the same application, students from Wards 7 and 8 can qualify for the Ward 7 & 8 Scholarship — $12,000 per year, renewable up to five years, usable at any four-year university. Applicants may receive one award, not both.
The process is deliberately light: registration opens October 15 and takes under five minutes, the full application opens January 1 and takes about ten minutes, and everything is due February 28, 2027. Students select up to three DC-CAP partner universities, complete the FAFSA and DC TAG application, and are matched during spring decision season. Apply at apply.dccap.org — there is no fee.
Eligibility
- Washington, DC public or public charter high school student
- Must be admitted to a DC-CAP partner university to receive the University Partners award (students select up to three partners)
- Ward 7 & 8 residents can qualify for the $12,000/year Ward 7 & 8 Scholarship usable at any four-year university
- FAFSA and DC TAG application required
How To Apply
- Register at apply.dccap.org starting October 15, 2026 (takes under five minutes)
- Complete the full application starting January 1, 2027 — about ten minutes, plus transcript and financial aid information — and select up to three partner universities
- Submit by 11:59 pm on February 28, 2027, with FAFSA and DC TAG complete; matches and decisions come in spring
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the DC-CAP scholarship worth?
The University Partners award is $5,000-$7,500 per year from DC-CAP, renewable up to five years, plus extra funding from the partner university. The Ward 7 & 8 Scholarship is $12,000 per year, also renewable up to five years. Students receive one award, not both.
Is there an essay?
DC-CAP describes the application as taking about ten minutes — registration, a short application, transcripts, and financial aid information. No lengthy essay is listed among the requirements.