Beginning October 1, 2022, students can apply for financial aid for the 2023-24 college school year. With all the uncertainty caused by COVID, education beyond high school is more important than ever. Applying for financial aid gives you more options for the future. 

In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid: 

• Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid. 
• The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application for state financial aid only. The WASFA is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status -- and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA. 

Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college or job training. Many families assume they won’t qualify, but there’s more help available than ever before. Last year, a family of four making up to $102,000 could qualify for financial aid in Washington. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply. 

Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid at wsac.wa.gov/apply. 

(THIS ARTICLE WILL BE UPDATED IN OCTOBER, 2022).

Don’t Let Financial Aid Myths Limit Options for the Future

Download the Financial Aid Myths Flyer in English    Descargue el folleto Mitos de la ayuda financiera en español

Think you can’t afford college or training? Financial aid helps many students pay for education beyond high school, and more families in Washington are now eligible. Even if you didn’t qualify before, you might now!

Myth #1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for financial aid.

Fact: Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify. With Washington College Grant, an eligible student from a family of four making up to around $102,000 per year can receive some money for college or training.

Myth #2: Financial aid only pays for universities. That takes four years—I need to start working now.

Fact: Financial aid can be used for many types of full-time or part-time education or training, including career and technical schools, community colleges, some apprenticeships, and yes, universities too. You have options!

Myth #3: I can’t apply for financial aid because I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school.

Fact: You can complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application before applying for college or training. You can make your final choice about whether and where to go later, and you’ll know more about what you can afford.

Applications are now available for fall 2022! Learn more and apply for financial aid on the Washington Student Achievement Council website. http://wsac.wa.gov/