Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship (BHCS)

Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship (BHCS) is sponsored by Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). Provides scholarships to students pursuing graduate degrees in mental health, with a commitment to work in Washington as mental health professionals for three to five years after graduation.

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The Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship requires three to five years of Post Graduation Service Obligation (PGSO) in exchange for receiving an award. The award will be distributed over a maximum of three years for program completion. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year have now closed.

Updates for the 2027-28 application cycle will be announced in late 2026.

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Marriage and Family Therapy Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology Eligible Certificate Programs Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Eligible Graduate Program Institutions Central Washington University Eastern Washington University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin's University University of Puget Sound University of Washington- Tacoma Western Washington University Eligible Certificate Program Institutions Clover Park Technical College Lake Washington Institute of Technology Spokane Falls Community College Whatcom Community College Applicants have the flexibility to choose the type of Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in which they would like to provide services.

Further information regarding HPSA service sites can be found on the HRSA Data Warehouse website . Applicants who do not see their preferred site on the HPSA service site list may request the site representative to submit a form for a site preapproval application . Site applications are not guaranteed approval.

Complete the program application. If awarded, must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Must be accepted into and maintain enrollment at an eligible institution leading to a degree in an approved behavioral health program.

Intend to pursue employment at an eligible site. Please review the Eligible Sites tab. File the current academic year FAFSA or WASFA .

Accepts service obligation requirement in exchange for funding. Review Program Reference Guide (PDF, 487. 58 KB) .

The Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship accepts applicants pursuing an eligible behavioral health program. Applicants must complete their application and submit their FAFSA or WASFA before the deadline to be considered for an award. If selected, applicants must submit their FAFSA or WASFA annually to receive their award.

The scholarship award will be determined by financial need. Applicants in two- and three-year graduate programs can receive up to $41,000 across their program length. Advanced graduate standing programs (one-year programs) can receive up to $15,500.

Applicants in regular graduate standing programs who have one year remaining can receive up to $15,500. Undergraduates pursuing an eligible certificate may receive up to $10,000 across their program length. Undergraduates who have one year remaining in their program may receive up to $5,000.

Award amounts are determined by unmet need. Recipients are advised to consult with their tax advisor regarding any tax implications and consult with their financial aid office. Recipients of the scholarship must commit to providing services at an eligible behavioral health site for a minimum of three years after completion of their program.

Recipients must sign a promissory note as acceptance in WSAC's Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship program. Complete the online BHCS application . Complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application.

Post-Graduation Service Obligation Following program completion, recipients will enter a six-month grace period to obtain a licensure or credential that will allow them to practice as a behavioral health professional in their respective field. Recipients must obtain their licensure or credential and be placed before the six-month grace period ends; otherwise, they risk the scholarship converting into a loan.

Recipients must provide services and report annually to the Washington Student Achievement Council for a minimum of three years, not to exceed five years. Graduate recipients may practice under: Certificate recipients must practice as: Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Failing to meet these PGSO requirements may result in the scholarship converting into a loan. Recipients are encouraged to contact bhcs@wsac.

wa. gov should they have any questions or concerns about meeting PGSO expectations. Per WAC policy, preference will be given to students residing in a rural area or who intend to serve in a rural area.

Applicants interested in serving their Post-Graduation Service Obligation (PGSO) in non-rural sites are still encouraged to apply.