Colton Nussbaum, a Washington Grant recipient currently attending Whitworth University and studying business management and minoring in music, discusses his journey to higher education in this Q&A!
My name is Colton Nussbaum, and I go to Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. I’m a senior, studying business management and minoring in music. After college, I hope to find work in the music business. I want to work with others, building teams to accomplish projects that support an industry that fuels my passion. I have a passion for music and creativity but want to use my business degree for work.
I decided to pursue higher education because after high school, I knew I had more potential to learn. Also, coming from a very small town, I became filled with the urge to get out and see more of the world.
One challenge I faced early on was switching my major. I completed my freshman year as a music major, but by the end of the year, I found myself burnt out. The following summer, I had to make the choice to switch away from what I thought I’d major in. I ended up with an advisor in each discipline, both of whom helped me navigate this decision. Thankfully, I was able to switch to business without complications and take a minor in music.
At Whitworth, I’ve been president of pep band for two years and vice president for one. My involvement in pep band provides the opportunity to pursue music, even if not a major. The band has also allowed me to find my passion for leading and inspiring others.
I was told about the Washington College Grant when I was in late high school and exploring college as my next step. My high school advisor was helpful, informing me of options and available state assistance. When I discovered the amount of aid I would receive from the Washington College Grant, I was remarkably grateful. I realized that college was really something I could do without excessive financial worry. Above all, I felt inspired and supported to keep learning!
Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from “Can I afford higher education?” to “What school do I want to go to?” It has allowed me to self-fund my education with part-time work and reduce my overall debt. With the tuition support, I was also able to afford unique opportunities. For example, my junior year, as part of the Wind Symphony, I went on tour to Thailand. Experiencing Asian culture has been impactful for my overall growth and college experience.
Had I not received the WA Grant, I would be much more worried about my student loans than my educational journey—that is if I had attended college at all.
Washington students should take financial aid seriously. Our state is generous in providing programs, but the work is on you to identify, understand, and apply to these programs. Even if you are unsure about attending college, you should apply for financial aid. It may take financial hardship out of your already big choice about pursuing higher education.
As I approach graduation this spring, I am very excited for change. I’ve kept myself busy in my undergrad and am ready to change the pace to working life.
My education has prepared me to live out the Whitworth Mission to “honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity.” Within the diversity at Whitworth, I’ve been able to explore faith in both an individual and a business realm. Inspiring others and building togetherness is what I strive to do in my future. Thanks to Whitworth and the funding that makes it possible, I believe I’m nearly ready to do so!
April 7, 2025
Washington’s economy depends on people who complete a credential after high school, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.
But for many students, the cost of education remains a significant barrier. That’s why the Washington College Grant (WA Grant)—one of the most successful financial aid programs in the nation—is a game-changer.
Just last week, The Seattle Times editorial board highlighted that, while statewide enrollment in higher education fell by nearly 100,000 students between 2013 and 2023, enrollment is on the rise among students who received the WA Grant. This is further proof that Washington students want to pursue postsecondary education and will do so when they have the support they need, and why we need to prevent Legislative cuts to the WA Grant.
For Colton Nussbaum, a senior at Whitworth University, the WA Grant helped transform his dream of college into reality. “Receiving the Washington College Grant changed the question from ‘Can I afford higher education?’ to ‘What school do I want to go to?,’” he said.
The WA Grant not only eased the burden of tuition—it also made unique learning opportunities possible. Thanks to financial support, Colton joined the university’s Wind Symphony on tour in Thailand, an experience he describes as transformative: “Experiencing Asian culture has been impactful for my overall growth and college experience,” he said.
Now, Colton is preparing to graduate this spring—excited for change and ready to begin his next chapter in the workforce.
As state lawmakers make key budget decisions, we urge you to speak up for students like Colton. Use our simple toolto contact your legislators and ask them to protect the WA Grant and support access to post-high school education for all Washington students.
Together, we can ensure that no student’s dreams are limited by cost. Let’s keep working toward a future where every Washington student can pursue the credentials they need—and the future they deserve.
In partnership,
College Promise Coalition