Washington’s higher education system is coordinated by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), a cabinet-level state agency established in 2012. WSAC leads strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to increase educational attainment, with a strong commitment to equity and access. The Council is composed of ten members representing key education sectors including K-12, community colleges, public and private universities, and two student members and is supported by an agency staff of about 100. WSAC administers state financial aid, early outreach programs, while also advising policymakers, setting college admissions standards, and authorizing out-of-state institutions. WSAC collaborates closely with key partners across the education and workforce ecosystem, including public and independent institutions, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and others.
