Washington College Cost Contribution Estimator

Yes, Washington is one of approximately 16 states with statutory authority to order postsecondary educational support. Under RCW 26.19.090, courts have discretionary power to require either or both parents to contribute to college expenses. Support can be ordered until the child's 23rd birthday, with exceptions for disabilities. The request must be filed before the child's high school graduation to preserve the claim.

Washington courts evaluate multiple statutory factors under RCW 26.19.090: the child's age, needs, prospects, desires, aptitudes, and disabilities; the nature of education sought; parents' education levels and standard of living; each parent's current and future financial resources; and what support the child would have received if parents stayed together. Courts also assess whether the child is genuinely dependent on parents for necessities of life.

Washington has no statutory cap limiting postsecondary support to public university costs. University of Washington in-state tuition ($12,000-$14,000 annually) often serves as an informal benchmark, but courts have rejected arguments limiting support to public school expenses. Washington case law establishes that unless payment would cause actual bankruptcy, courts have broad discretion to order support for private institutions.

Starting with the 2024-25 academic year, FAFSA rules require the parent providing the most financial support—not the custodial parent—to complete the application. If that parent remarried, the stepparent's income must also be reported. Child support paid counts toward determining which parent provides more support. Washington courts cannot override federal FAFSA requirements through divorce orders.

Washington 529 plans (GET and DreamAhead) are divided as community property during divorce, but joint ownership is not permitted. Courts typically assign account control to one parent, often the primary custodial parent, or divide the balance into two separate accounts. The controlling parent can technically withdraw funds for non-educational purposes, though penalties and taxes apply, creating potential risks.

Yes, parents can contractually agree to college contribution terms in their separation agreement or parenting plan regardless of whether a court would order support. Written agreements are enforceable as contracts. Many Washington attorneys recommend specifying cost caps, covered expenses, academic requirements, and age limits in the agreement rather than leaving these issues to future court discretion.

Washington courts are not limited to ordering support only for public universities. While University of Washington costs often serve as an informal benchmark, case law establishes that courts have discretion to order support for private institutions based on the family's circumstances. Factors include what education the child would have received if parents remained together and the parents' financial ability to pay.

Under RCW 26.19.090, Washington courts cannot order postsecondary educational support beyond the child's 23rd birthday. The only exception is for children with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities, where courts may extend support past age 23. Support also automatically suspends if the child fails to maintain enrollment in an accredited institution or falls out of good academic standing.