Financial Aid

What you need to know about the 2024-25  FAFSA

Resources for FAFSA 24-25 (the year you will attend)

You will use the FAFSA 24-25 for next year school year.

If you want to continue your education, YOU CAN!

Financial aid is available to help students and families pay for college. Don't assume that you are not eligible. The only way to know for sure is to apply. 

What is Financial Aid?

Most financial aid comes from state and federal governments, colleges, and universities. The rest comes from private sources, such as local organizations, foundations and corporations. 

You don't have to be from a low-income family to qualify for some programs. Financial aid includes grants, loans, work study, and scholarships-and can be either need-based or merit-based. 

Need-based aid is awarded to students who cannot pay for college without assistance and includes grants, loans, and work study. Merit-based aid, generally in the form of scholarships, is awarded to students based on academic, athletic, or other specific achievements or criteria. 

Most students receive a combination of financial aid types in what is called a financial aid package. It is prepared by the financial aid office at the college, university, or career school you attend. 

Colleges and universities use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much you and your family can afford to pay for college. The FAFSA asks you and your parents about household income, savings, and more. It takes into account the size of your family and number of students in college. The only way to determine your eligibility for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA. 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. COMPLETE THE FAFSA.  It opens 12/31/23

The only way to get the financial aid described here is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov. High school seniors should apply as soon as possible AFTER January 1. The earlier you apply, the better financial aid package you’re likely to get. Do not wait until you get admitted to college to apply.

2. REVIEW YOUR STUDENT AID REPORT. A few days after you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will include your Expected Family Contribution – the amount you and your family are expected to pay for college. Review it carefully and send in corrections, if needed.

3. CONTACT PROSPECTIVE SCHOOLS. Contact the financial aid offices of any campus you wish to at-tend about application rules and deadlines. Remember, some schools have additional forms you will need to complete. Also, ask about other financial aid opportuni-ties, including scholarships.

4. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND MEET ALL DEADLINES. Check financial aid priority deadlines by visiting each colleges’ website. If your FAFSA or other financial aid applications are late or incomplete, you may not receive all of the aid you are eligible for. Financial aid is often given to eligible students on a first come, first served basis – schools can and do run out of some types of aid.

5. EVALUATE FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS. Schools will send you award letters with details of your financial aid package – usually a combination of grants, loans, and work study programs. Compare the financial aid awards carefully. You may be required to either accept or decline your award by a specific date. If you miss this reply deadline, you could lose your fi-nancial aid award.

6. KEEP GOOD RECORDS. Make copies of your applications and supporting information. Quickly respond to requests for more information. Keep a financial aid folder to compare awards and keep track of forms. Make notes of who you talk to, the date and time you contacted them, and the results of your conversation. If you run in to problems later, having these notes can really help.

The state of Washington provides money each year to help students and their families pay for college. You may be eligible for one or more of the following state financial aid programs known as Washington Opportunity Pathways.

STATE NEED GRANT-Undergraduate resident students with financial need may be eligible for this grant. Income eligibility is based on adjusted gross income reported on the student’s FAFSA. Grants are available at public two- and four-year colleges and universities, and many accredited independent colleges, universities, and career schools in Washing-ton.

STATE WORK STUDY-Resident undergraduate and graduate students with financial need earn money for college through part-time work while gaining valuable experience. Whenever possible jobs are related to academic and career interests. State Work Study jobs are available both on and off campus.

COLLEGE BOUND SCHOLARSHIP-The scholarship promises up to four years of tuition, fees, and a small book stipend to low-income students who sign a pledge during their 7th or 8th grade year. Students promise to graduate from high school, be good citizens, and seek admission to a college or university.

PASSPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH PROMISE PROGRAM-This program encourages foster youth to prepare for and succeed in college. It provides foster youth with educational planning tools, college support services, and scholarship assistance.

AMERICAN INDIAN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP-For financially needy undergraduate and graduate students with close social and cultural ties to a Native American community. Students must attend an in-state college full time and agree to use their education to benefit American Indian communities in Washington State.

For FAFSA/WAFSA Assistance please book an appointment by calling the Career Center: 360-604-3435

More financial aid information is available at:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)           

The Washington Student Achievement Council                      

The Smart Guide to Financial Aid