Financial Aid Opportunity Pathways

Money is available to help you go to college if you and your family cannot afford to pay the full cost. Financial aid includes grants, loans, work study, and scholarships, and can be either need-based or merit-based. In Washington each financial aid program is an Opportunity Pathway.

Need-based aid is awarded to students who cannot pay for college without assistance and includes grants, loans, and work study. Merit-based aid, generally scholarships, is awarded to students based on academic, athletic, or other achievements or criteria. Most students receive a combination of aid in what is called a financial aid package that is prepared by the financial aid office at your college, university, or career school.

Applying for Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions