The Promise Continues
We are excited to celebrate the success of the Shelton Promise pilot program and are pleased to announce that The Evergreen State College will continue offering a Promise program for the Shelton community.
The Shelton Promise will continue to provide tuition and fee coverage for eligible students (eligibility requirements are outlined below), along with a quarterly Geoduck Grant and comprehensive wraparound support services. These services begin in high school and continue throughout a student's four-year journey at Evergreen.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the program without relying on legislative funding, we have made a few important adjustments. We are proud to continue the Shelton Promise for the Class of 2027, but two primary changes have been implemented:
- An income eligibility requirement has been established.
- The number of available Promise seats will be limited.
Talk With Our Counselor Begin Your Journey
What Does it Cover?
Shelton Promise has three core components:
- 100% free tuition and standard fees for up to four years (12 quarters) for eligible low and middle-income students. (*income eligibility determined by the FAFSA/WAFSA)
- Quarterly Geoduck Grant that can be used toward housing, transportation, and other college-related costs.
- Wrap around support services and advising beginning in high school and lasting through completion of a degree.
Shelton Promise Program Success!
We’re thrilled to welcome 61 new students from the Shelton School District to The Evergreen State College through our Shelton Promise program. This milestone reflects the power of partnership and opportunity—helping local students take their next step toward a college degree.
Congratulations to the future Evergreen Class of 2030!
Program Requirements
Students are encouraged to start the application process during the fall of their senior year.
The following criteria must be met to be admitted:
- Shelton School District 2027 graduate
- 2.0 high school grade point average (GPA) or higher
- Financial Need: Must meet federal Pell Grant criteria, or qualify as an undocumented resident via the WASFA
- Complete interview or essay with Promise team
Applications and Deadlines
Students must complete the following to be admitted:
| Department | Application | Deadlines for Fall 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| College Admissions | The Evergreen State College Application | Priority: February 1, 2027 Closes: September 1, 2027 Credentials: September 15, 2027 |
| Financial Aid | Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) | Opens: September 23, 2026 Closes: June 30, 2028 |
How Do Students Remain Eligible?
- Reapply for FAFSA/WAFSA each year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits or more)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a baccalaureate degree.
- Meet annually with a Shelton Promise counselor
What Can You Study?
Choose the subjects most compelling to you without being limited by traditional majors or minors. You can even combine subjects from different disciplines to create a degree that is truly all your own.
Evergreen also provides structure and guidance to help you make the most of your time here. We'll help you develop a Path, which is an intentional plan for your educational journey. With over 40 fields of study including: Biology, Government, Education, Latinx and Latin American Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, you'll find your way to success.
Build community. Conduct original research. Dig in the dirt. From cutting-edge labs to our organic farm, you’ll dive into unique, hands-on opportunities to explore your passions and complete your degree.
Join student groups, live in apartment-style housing, and discover what it’s like to be part of our friendly community. Personalized support is available every step of the way.
Envision your journey at Evergreen by visiting our campus in person or virtually. Our tours allow you to visit with current students, see our unique classrooms, studios, labs and recreational facilities.
Evergreen is Consistently Ranked Most Innovative Education in the West.
Dream Big. We’ll Help You Get There — Apply Today!