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Plan your future with the help of financial aid
Knowing how much financial aid you qualify for can help you figure out your plans for education after high school.
It's not too late! Community and technical colleges in Washington state are still accepting applications for this fall - so are some four-year universities and many training programs.
Train for a job in healthcare, automotive, computer technology, or another in-demand field. You have options!
Plan your future with the help of financial aid
Knowing how much financial aid you qualify for can help you figure out your plans for education after high school. It's not too late! Community and technical colleges in Washington state are still accepting applications for this fall - so are some four-year universities and many training programs. Train for a job in healthcare, automotive, computer technology, or another in-demand field. You have options!
How to apply for financial aid
The only way to qualify for financial aid for college or career training is to apply with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). You don't need to know what school or program you're going to attend in order to complete either application.
Most people should complete a FAFSA to get the most money available, including state and federal aid.
Undocumented students and others who choose not to complete a FAFSA can apply for state aid using the WASFA.
Learn more and apply with WASFA
Not sure which application you should use? Complete the WASFA Questionnaire.
How to apply for financial aid
The only way to qualify for financial aid for college or career training is to apply with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). You don't need to know what school or program you're going to attend in order to complete either application.
Most people should complete a FAFSA to get the most money available, including state and federal aid.
Undocumented students and others who choose not to complete a FAFSA can apply for state aid using the WASFA.
Learn more and apply with WASFA
Not sure which application you should use? Complete the WASFA Questionnaire.
Need help applying?
Download this checklist (PDF, 81.56 KB) that explains how to apply for financial aid and start planning for your education.
To prepare to complete the FAFSA application:
- Create a StudentAid.gov account.
- Gather financial data including your income, assets, and federal tax return.
- Make a list of schools you're interested in.
Watch these videos for more financial aid help and information:
2026 - 27 FAFSA walk-through (YouTube video, opens in new tab) - opens in new tab: get step-by-step guidance on the application process.
Financial Aid 101 (YouTube video, opens in new tab) - opens in new tab learn about financial aid programs and the process in Washington State
Send your financial aid questions to OtterBot, our free 24/7 text-based support for financial aid.
Students can sign up online or text "Hi OtterBot" to (360) 928-7281
Parents can sign up online or text "Hi OtterBot" to (360) 634-0354
Need help applying?
Download this checklist (PDF, 81.56 KB) that explains how to apply for financial aid and start planning for your education.
To prepare to complete the FAFSA application:
- Create a StudentAid.gov account.
- Gather financial data including your income, assets, and federal tax return.
- Make a list of schools you're interested in.
Watch these videos for more financial aid help and information:
2026 - 27 FAFSA walk-through (YouTube video, opens in new tab) - opens in new tab: get step-by-step guidance on the application process.
Financial Aid 101 (YouTube video, opens in new tab) - opens in new tab learn about financial aid programs and the process in Washington State
Send your financial aid questions to OtterBot, our free 24/7 text-based support for financial aid.
Students can sign up online or text "Hi OtterBot" to (360) 928-7281
Parents can sign up online or text "Hi OtterBot" to (360) 634-0354
Education after high school is possible!
A certificate, apprenticeship, college degree, or other training beyond high school can lead to a good job and higher wages in healthcare, automotive, computer technology, and many other industries. There's still time to plan for education or training after high school.
In Washington, half of all families qualify for financial aid to help cover tuition, school supplies including computers, and living expenses. In many cases, tuition could even be free. Use the financial aid calculator to see how much you could receive.
Explore your options for education beyond high school.