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 usually open on October 1st each year.  Be sure to apply early to maximize aid opportunities! 

Explore these links to learn more about financial aid and how you can use it for college, certificate programs, job training, and apprenticeships.

• Introduction to Financial Aid - slideshow by Washington Student Achievement Council

• Introduction to Financial Aid (Spanish) - slideshow by Washington Student Achievement Council

• Financial Aid Resources for Students - 12th Year Campaign student padlet

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?

Additional Resources:

• 2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation - slideshow overview of the FAFSA process and the steps you will need to take to apply.

• How to Complete the WASFA - slideshow overview of the WASFA application process

• How to Complete the WASFA (Spanish) - slideshow overview of the WASFA application process

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.

• Create a WASFA account

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA or WAFSA application. Both the FAFSA and WASFA usually open on October 1st each year. It is recommended you submit your application as soon as possible, because some aid is first come, first served. Don't wait until you've been admitted to college to apply for financial aid!

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. 

Check out this Financial Aid Information slideshow for details on the financial aid application process!