Financial Aid
Paying for College - Financial Aid
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money to help pay for college. The four main types of financial aid are grants, work study, loans and scholarships. To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). It is free to apply for financial aid. After you complete the FAFSA or WASFA, the college(s) you choose will use your information to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Think you don't qualify for financial aid? You'll never know if you don't apply! Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify to get money to help pay for college.
Both the FAFSA and WASFA applications open October 1st. Be sure to apply early to maximize aid opportunities!
FAFSA and WASFA
In Washington State, there are two different applications for financial aid, but you only need to file one:
File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
File the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) if you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status.
Not sure which to fill out? Complete this questionnaire to confirm which application is correct for you: FAFSA or WASFA?
Financial Aid Timeline
Step 1: Gather the required documents.
Prepare to Complete the FAFSA - Gather the documents you will need in order to complete the FAFSA application
Prepare to Complete the WASFA - Instructions on how to complete the WASFA application
Step 2: Create your Federal Student Aid ID for your FAFSA - OR - create a WASFA account.
Create an FSA ID - Create your Federal Student Aid ID to sign your FAFSA.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA or WAFSA application. Both the FAFSA and WASFA open on October 1st. It is recommended you submit your application as soon after October 1 as possible, because some aid is first come, first served. Don't wait until you've been admitted to college to apply!
Step 4: Follow up with college(s) with any additional information they may request from you.
Step 5: Review your financial aid award letter and accept aid.
Need Money for College? Explore these Helpful Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA Federal Financial Aid Website - Learn about your options and fill out your FAFSA.
FSA ID Worksheet - Complete this to keep track of your FSA ID information.
23-24 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet - Use this to organize your information to complete the online FAFSA Application
FAFSA - Who is my parent? - Which parent's information do I use if they aren't married?
FAFSA or WASFA? - Not sure which to fill out, complete this questionnaire.
After the FAFSA: What Happens Next? - Video summary of what to expect after you submit your FAFSA application
WASFA Information - Visit the Washington Student Achievement Council website for help in completing your WASFA
Washington Financial Aid Calculator - Estimate how much state and federal aid you might be eligible for.
Federal Financial Aid Calculator - Use this tool to estimate how much federal aid you may be eligible to receive.
Washington College Grant - Half of Washington families are eligible!
Federal Financial Aid for International Schools - Find out which schools participate
