The Washington Application for State Financial Aid or WASFA is a free application for state financial aid for students who are not eligible for federal aid because of immigration status, including undocumented students.  After you complete the WASFA, the college(s) you choose will use your information to determine your state financial aid eligibility.  State financial aid could include Washington College Grant (formerly the State Need Grant), the College Bound Scholarship, or State Work Study. 

State Financial Aid for Non-FAFSA Applicants

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who choose not to file a federal FAFSA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA unless your college asks you to.

People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, completing the FAFSA could maximize your potential financial aid awards.

Should you complete a FAFSA or a WASFA?

If you are unsure if you should complete a FAFSA or a WASFA, complete the WASFA Questionnaire for more information; however, anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid.

There are various reasons people may choose to complete a WASFA instead of a FAFSA. For example: 

• You or your parent(s) are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of your immigration status.

• Your parent(s) or family member(s) do not wish to file a FAFSA.

• You have privacy concerns about filing a FAFSA.

• You or your parent(s) do not and will not file federal income taxes.

• You have federal loans that are in default.

• You owe a repayment on federal grants.

A note on privacy: Students and families are asked to provide personal information when applying for financial aid. It’s a necessary part of the process, but it’s natural to have concerns about privacy. Anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid; however, they will miss out on any federal aid they could be eligible for. Whether applying with FAFSA or WASFA, students and families should read any available privacy statements to understand where their data is going and how it is used.

Application

To find out if you qualify for state financial aid, complete the free WASFA. Your college or program will let you know if you meet state financial aid requirements after they review your WASFA. Be sure to check your email regularly for communications from your college or training program.