FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid

WASFA - Washington Application for State Financial Aid

FAFSA & WASFA Applications are now open!  Visit: http://wsac.wa.gov/apply

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. 


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 Social Security #)  
· 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 

FAFSA Presentation 2021.mp4 | Schoology

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

Virtual FAFSA workshops:
12^th 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/

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

If you signed up for the College Bound scholarship, one of the requirements is filing a FAFSA or WASFA during your senior year. Here is everything you need to know about the College Bound Scholarship: Ready Set Grad College Bound