Apply for Financial Aid
Most people should complete a FAFSA to get the most money available.
Apply for FAFSA
Undocumented students—and others who choose to—can apply for state aid with the WASFA.
Learn more about WASFA
What’s the difference between the FAFSA and the WASFA?
Both FAFSA and WASFA are pathways for Washington State residents to apply for Washington College Grant (WA Grant) and other financial aid. WA Grant gives eligible people more money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college.
You should only complete one application, the FAFSA or the WASFA:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is for need- and non-need-based financial aid from both the federal and state governments, as well as your college and some private scholarships. Most people should complete the FAFSA to get the most the money available.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, is for financial aid from the state and some college aid, and is for people who don’t fill out a FAFSA due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues. It can also be used by others who prefer not to file the federal form.* You can still be considered a Washington resident if you are undocumented. Learn more about what it takes on the Student Residency web page.
Not sure which application you should use? Complete the WASFA Questionnaire to learn more.
*A note on privacy: Students and families are asked to provide personal information when applying for financial aid. It’s a necessary part of the process, but it’s natural to have concerns about privacy. Anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid; however, they will miss out on any federal aid they could be eligible for. Whether applying with FAFSA or WASFA, students and families should read any available privacy statements to understand where their data is going and how it is used.
What’s the difference between the FAFSA and the WASFA?
Both FAFSA and WASFA are pathways for Washington State residents to apply for Washington College Grant (WA Grant) and other financial aid. WA Grant gives eligible people more money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college.
You should only complete one application, the FAFSA or the WASFA:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is for need- and non-need-based financial aid from both the federal and state governments, as well as your college and some private scholarships. Most people should complete the FAFSA to get the most the money available.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, is for financial aid from the state and some college aid, and is for people who don’t fill out a FAFSA due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues. It can also be used by others who prefer not to file the federal form.* You can still be considered a Washington resident if you are undocumented. Learn more about what it takes on the Student Residency web page.
Not sure which application you should use? Complete the WASFA Questionnaire to learn more.
*A note on privacy: Students and families are asked to provide personal information when applying for financial aid. It’s a necessary part of the process, but it’s natural to have concerns about privacy. Anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid; however, they will miss out on any federal aid they could be eligible for. Whether applying with FAFSA or WASFA, students and families should read any available privacy statements to understand where their data is going and how it is used.
When should I apply?
Both the FAFSA and the WASFA for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years are now open. Be sure to complete the right application for the academic year you will be enrolled:
- Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA application if you plan to attend college or training in fall term 2024 through spring term 2025.
- Complete the 2025-26 FAFSA or WASFA if you plan to attend college or training in fall term 2025 through spring term 2026.
- Planning on taking courses in the summer? Check with the college or program you will be attending to confirm which application you need to complete for summer sessions.
You will need to reapply for FAFSA or WASFA each year that you are in college or training.
When should I apply?
Both the FAFSA and the WASFA for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years are now open. Be sure to complete the right application for the academic year you will be enrolled:
- Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA application if you plan to attend college or training in fall term 2024 through spring term 2025.
- Complete the 2025-26 FAFSA or WASFA if you plan to attend college or training in fall term 2025 through spring term 2026.
- Planning on taking courses in the summer? Check with the college or program you will be attending to confirm which application you need to complete for summer sessions.
You will need to reapply for FAFSA or WASFA each year that you are in college or training.
Who can help me apply for financial aid?
We’re in this together—and we’re here to help. Not sure how to get started with your financial aid application? You have many resources available to help you navigate the process.
At your school
Book an appointment with your high school counselor or college & career specialist. They can answer questions about your specific path and circumstances.
At the college
Email the admissions or financial aid office at any colleges you’re interested in attending, or give them a call to talk through the process.
In your community
Attend a local or virtual financial aid event to get answers to your questions and support in completing applications.
Resources at your school
Book an appointment with your high school counselor or college & career specialist. They can answer questions about your specific path and circumstances.
Resources at colleges
Email the admissions or financial aid office at any colleges you’re interested in attending, or give them a call to talk through the process.
Virtual resources
The 12th Year Campaign hosts virtual financial aid info and filing events to help students and families apply for college and financial aid.
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Watch our videos for more FAFSA help and information
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Watch our videos for more FAFSA help and information
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Think you don’t qualify for financial aid? Think again.
WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. Recent high school graduates and working-age adults from many low- and middle-income families can qualify to receive free money toward career training, college, and apprenticeships.