Financial Aid - Apply Now!
FAFSA or WASFA?
Paying for College and Tech School
October 1st marked the day that financial aid opened for the fall 2021-2022 school year. If you are a senior and plan to go to college or tech school next year you will want to apply for financial aid.
Do I complete the FAFSA or WASFA?
In Washington, students complete one of two applications to be considered for student financial aid: the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). The applications open October 1 each year and students should try to complete their financial aid application as soon as possible after that date. In addition to state and federal aid, many school-based and school-funded scholarships require students to submit a FAFSA or WASFA form for consideration.
The FAFSA
U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizen students will be considered for grants, loans and work-study funds upon completion of this form. Federal aid can be used at technical, two-year, four-year colleges and universities. Learn more about eligibility requirements and complete the FAFSA . Start by creating your FAFSA ID.
The WASFA
Students who are not eligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status may be eligible for several Washington State financial aid programs, including the Washington College Grant or State Work Study. These programs fund in-state public and private technical, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Learn more about eligibility and complete the WASFA at readysetgrad.org
Washington College Grant
The new, nationally recognized Washington College Grant (formerly the State Need Grant) makes education and training beyond high school affordable. More families are eligible, and more programs and types of credentials are included.
Beginning in 2020-21, more low- and middle-income families now qualify. An eligible student from a family of four making around $50,000 or less per year would receive a full award. Partial grants are available for families making up to the state’s median family income, around $97,000 per year.
The program is also expanding to provide support for approved apprenticeships.
What does it cover?
The maximum award amount will cover full tuition at any approved/eligible in-state public college or university, including community or technical colleges, or provide a comparable amount toward tuition and other education-related costs at an approved private college or career training program. The state is in the process of identifying eligible non-campus-based apprenticeship programs.
Who is eligible?
Amounts vary based on income, family size, and the school or program attended. Students and families can use the financial aid calculator to estimate their potential WCG award. Recipients must meet program requirements and attend an approved institution or program. Learn more about WCG eligibility and awards.
How do I apply?
There is no separate application for the Washington College Grant. Students should complete a state or federal financial aid application, which colleges will use to determine eligibility and make awards. Application processes for non-campus-based apprenticeship programs have not yet been established.
Most changes will affect students who apply now for financial aid for the 2020-21 school year. Applications for the 2021-22 academic year will open on October 1, 2020.
It's never too early to plan ahead. It's never too late to change your future. Get started now.
Financial Aid Workshop, WSAC
Washington Student Achievement Council
Saturday, 10/24/20 11:00am-2:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErcO6trTkuEtUq9OPXCo4Mkf-6GKON54XG
Saturday, Oct 24, 2020, 11:00 AM
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Financial Aid Workshop, WSAC
Washington Student Achievement Council
Wednesday, 10/28/2020 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register in Advance
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdO2hrz4oE9YappSD3uDQp87YfRVt36ZbWednesday, Oct 28, 2020, 05:00 PM
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Financial Aid Workshop, WSAC
Washington Student Achievement Council
Tuesday, 11/10/2020 11:00am-2:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-CqrTgoG9Uooj5_MgsS_B2xiNMHfmlK
Tuesday, Nov 10, 2020, 11:00 AM
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Financial Aid Workshop
Washington Student Achievement Council
Thursday, 11/19/2020 5:00-8:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUocu-sqT4tGtWfqqIeVSzt-v0l5EtF1f2I
Thursday, Nov 19, 2020, 05:00 PM
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Financial Aid Workshop, WSAC
Washington Student Achievement Council
Tuesday, 12/1/20 5:00-8:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpdu2vqjwpEtW_DYM_GItZlX4WB-QjeAQJ