FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid

WASFA - Washington Application for State Financial Aid

FAFSA & WASFA Applications are now open!  Visit: FAFSA Application Link

FAFSA/WASFA is the free application that you must complete if you plan to enroll in any university, community, or technical college.  It is important, no matter your financial standing, that you complete the FAFSA or WASFA!


     FIVE EASY STEPS TO FILE THE FAFSA     
Applying for financial aid can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here are five easy steps to file the FAFSA so you can receive all the financial aid resources for which you are eligible. Even if the FAFSA doesn't reflect your family's current situation, you should still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and Universities can work with you to factor in special circumstances such as COVID-19 impacts or loss of income. 

Download or print the 2023-2024 FAFSA Worksheet

1.  Go to studentaid.gov and click "create account" to create your FSA ID. Have the parent/guardian you live with do the same. An FSA ID is your electronic signature for all federal financial aid processes. 

2.  Print and complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA worksheet above. The worksheet provides an overview of what the FAFSA is going to ask. 

3.  Log in to the Federal Student aid website at studentaid.gov/fafsa and complete the 2023-24 FAFSA. It's secure and confidential. With your FSA ID and a completed FAFSA worksheet, you are ready to complete a FAFSA online. Make sure both you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA using your FSA IDs. 

4.  Receive a link to your Student Aid Report in your email after filing the FAFSA. Review for accuracy. If you made an error on your FAFSA, don't worry! Just log back in to your FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website and correct it. Be sure you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA again using your FSA IDs.

5.  Receive financial aid offers from the colleges and universities that you list on your FAFSA and to which you are admitted. Your FAFSA maximizes eligibility for all available financial aid resources to invest in your future! 
 

You will need the following information to complete the FAFSA/WASFA: 

· Your Social Security Number  
· Your Parents’ Social Security Numbers (FAFSA can still be completed if your parents do not have a SSC#)  
· Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) 
· Your driver’s license number (if available) 
· Federal tax information or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information, for you and your parents 

Here are FAFSA resources:
Padlet: https://padlet.com/christinaw12/t6jfitu7m8in10xc

Virtual FAFSA workshops:
12th year campaign virtual workshops: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oELovlvqYmCD7NY0nDw7A_b1Bbeoj4-M7VNBDaQfxoI/edit

Recommended Scholarship websites:
Gear up Washington scholarships: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships
Washboard.org: https://washboard.wsac.wa.gov

WA state residents can pay instate tuition in other select states:
WUE: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/

Need help with filing your Taxes:
Get Free Tax Help: https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/tax-help/

FAFSA
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, our more than 1,300 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school. We are proud to sponsor millions of American minds pursuing their educational dreams.  

Some states and schools have limited funds, so don’t delay!

FAFSA Applications for the 23-24 School year opens October 1, 2022!

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Financial Aid Timeline and FAFSA Checklist

FAFSA Overview Video

7 Things you Need to know Before Filing out your FAFSA Form

Creating Your FAFSA ID

FAFSA ID Worksheet

Otterbot Text to help with FAFSA

OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Washington offers financial aid to individuals who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid because of immigration status through an application called the WASFA. If you have questions about your immigration status and want to learn if you should file a FAFSA or WASFA, go here: Ready Set Grad WASFA

The WSAC website that Includes everything about how to apply for FAFSA/WASFA: How to Apply for Financial Aid: https://wsac.wa.gov/apply

A video about the Washington College Grant: Washington College Grant 2020