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Over the past decade, PLU has answered the state’s call to expand college access, serving more College Bound Scholars than any private, not-for-profit university in Washington.
The Threat
During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Washington State Legislature cut College Bound scholarships for students attending private, not-for-profit universities starting in Fall 2027. These reductions directly impact our lowest-income students, who depend on this support.
PLU's Commitment
PLU provides the 253 Full-Tuition College Bound Scholarship in conjunction with state funding and other aid to guarantee a full-tuition scholarship for high-achieving, low-income students.
The Impact
Recent state-level College Bound funding reductions put our students’ futures — and PLU’s ability to continue this work — at risk. Without restored funding, these scholars could lose up to $6,500 per year, jeopardizing their education and our shared mission.
More About College Bound
The College Bound Scholarship was created by the state legislature back in 2007. Its original purpose was simple and powerful: an early promise of state financial aid to make college degrees accessible for students from low-income families. It guaranteed four years of tuition, removing a huge financial barrier early on.
College Bound was designed to encourage all Washington colleges and universities, both public and private, to actively recruit and support underserved students, providing a pathway to a college degree that might otherwise be out of reach.
Eligibility starts early, in 7th or 8th grade, and you’re often automatically enrolled if you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The student then takes a pledge to graduate high school with a 2.0 GPA or higher, apply to college, and be a good citizen.
Originally, College Bound was only for public institutions, but now it includes private, non-profit schools like PLU. This is huge because it guarantees students can choose the school that is the best fit for them – a critical piece of student choice.
At PLU, nearly a quarter of our student body are College Bound Scholars, and many receive the 253 PLU Bound Scholarship, which is designed to cover full tuition for four years when combined with College Bound and other aid.
Starting in the 2027-28 Academic year, the College Bound award for students at private colleges like PLU will be cut to 50% of the public research university average. Without restored funding, Lutes could lose up to $12,500 per year. This significant reduction threatens to break the original promise, making college less affordable and potentially forcing high-achieving, high-need students to change their college plans or not even go at all.
The College Bound Scholarship for so many students is more than money, it’s about access, opportunity, and fulfilling the promise of a quality education. This aid ensures students can choose the environment where they can truly thrive.
That’s why we’re working so hard to educate and advocate for restoration of this funding, to restore a promise that was life-changing for so many across Washington State and in our PLU community.