2026-27 financial aid applications now open
October 1 | Olympia, WA—High school seniors and others can now apply for financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year, as both the federal FAFSA and state WASFA applications are available. Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college and career training. Students who apply for financial aid are far more likely to attend college or training. Learn more.
2025 News
- WSAC launches new scholarship to address mental health workforce shortages - Oct. 6
- 2026-27 financial aid applications now open - Oct. 1
- From Washington Governor Bob Ferguson: Governor Ferguson kicks off campaign to increase Washington FAFSA completion rates at Renton High School - Sept. 19
- From the National Governors Association: Six States Selected to Participate in NGA Youth Apprenticeship Policy Academy - Aug. 7
- Council to review proposals for the upcoming 2026 legislative session - Aug. 5
- Council to discuss 2026 Strategic Action Plan, host experts on credential completion - May 13
- Over half of Washington college students report experiencing basic needs insecurity, up 6 percent since 2022 - Feb. 4
- WSAC statement on financial aid applicant privacy (Español) - Jan. 29
- Council to meet in Olympia, discuss ways to align efforts and accelerate change to increase educational attainment - Jan. 21
Archives
2024
2024
- Ballmer Group invests $3 million to support WSAC’s regional partnership work to increase educational attainment - Dec. 30
- 2025-26 financial aid applications now open - Dec. 20
- Council to discuss credit mobility of today’s students at final meeting of 2024 - Nov. 4
- Partnership explores how digital media can increase motivation to pursue college - Oct. 17
- 2025-26 financial aid applications to open in December 2024 - Sep. 30
- WSAC Supports Title IX as a Foundation to Uphold the Rights of All Students - Sep. 5
- Washington’s GEAR UP Program receives a $35 million grant to help low-income students prepare for college - Sep. 3
- Council to review proposals for the upcoming 2025 legislative session - Aug. 13
- WSAC awards $3.1 million to five new regional challenge grant partnerships - July 22
- From our higher ed partners: A Letter to High School Principals and Counselors regarding the FAFSA - May 20
- Council to discuss 2025 Strategic Action Plan, approve new Regional Challenge Grant partnerships - May 7
- The National Center for Education Research has awarded $1 million to WSAC and MDRC to support the investigation of school-to-work pathways - Apr. 9
- New data dashboard tracks Washington's education attainment progress - Mar. 19
- Washington Student Achievement Council announced as winner of the Great Admissions Redesign Challenge - Feb. 29
- Washington state ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid - Jan. 29
- Council to meet in Olympia, discuss WA Grant as strategy to increase educational attainment - Jan. 16
- Washington state considers innovative approach: allowing food benefits eligibility as proxy for free college tuition - Jan. 16
- WSAC launches new collaborative research partnership to investigate Washington students’ school-to-work pathways and labor market outcomes - Jan. 11
- Additional funding from Washington State allows WSAC’s Regional Challenge Grant program to increase investment in a new cohort of place-based partnerships - Jan. 9
- Simpler, more generous 2024-25 financial aid applications now available—but process will be slower - Jan. 5
2023
2023
- Eight industry sector partnerships receive nearly $17 million to help WA residents secure good jobs. - Dec 11
- Council to engage with community leaders, discuss postsecondary attainment on the Olympic Peninsula - Oct. 30
- 2024-25 financial aid applications to open in December, with positive changes for students and families - Oct. 4
- Public college enrollment still going down, threatening state’s progress on education equity - Sept. 25
- WSAC member Evangelina Galvan Shreeve receives national clean energy education award - Sept. 19
- Council to discuss 2024 Strategic Action Plan, review 2024 legislative proposals - Aug. 25
- From SHEEO: WSAC's Michael Meotti named 2023 exceptional leader among state higher education executives - Jul. 18
- The National Center for Education Research has awarded $1 million to evaluate the Washington College Grant - Jun. 29
- Informational videos increase awareness of financial aid and education options - Jun. 20
- Council to discuss 2024 Strategic Action Plan to increase postsecondary educational attainment and equity in Washington State - Jun. 6
- The National Governors Association funds a new way to showcase and verify worker skills and training - Jun. 1
- New Data Shows Sharp Decline in Students Moving Directly from High School to College - Mar. 9
- Innovative Initiatives Aim to Increase Financial Aid Awareness and Access for Washington Students - Mar. 6
- Council to discuss dual credit programs, approve additional regional challenge grant awardees - Jan. 31
- Half of Washington college students report experiencing basic needs insecurity, with over 10 percent having experienced homelessness - Jan. 19
2022
2022
- Council to discuss recommendations for Regional Challenge Grant awardees - December 12
- Washington State Joins National Coalition Working to Boost On-Time College Completion - November 9
- New research shows college and financial aid improve long-term economic outlook for low-income Washington students - November 7
- From the National Governors Association: Six states awarded grant funding to boost workforce participation, economic mobility - October 28
- Council to discuss postsecondary completion, regional considerations at meeting in Tri-Cities - October 11
- 2023-24 financial aid applications open October 1: A family of four making up to $107,000 can qualify for aid in Washington - September 30
- From WICHE: Michael Meotti To Represent Washington on the WICHE Commission - September 16
- Applications now open: WSAC grants will support community partnerships that improve college and career training access and success - September 8
- Council to discuss legislative proposals, finalize regional grant application process - August 24
- From Governor Inslee: In case you missed it: Washington state wins federal Good Jobs Challenge grant to support career connected training for thousands of students - August 3
- Council to discuss impacts of basic needs insecurity on college students - May 17
- Generous $1.5 million Capital One Foundation grant will fund research to support postsecondary opportunities for low-income students in the state - May 9
- Council to discuss how the state and local communities can support career and college pathways for Washington high school students - March 29
- Council to preview 2022 priorities and indicators of progress - January 24
2021
2021
- Council to highlight regional and institutional efforts to expand college and career pathways - November 3
- 2022-23 financial aid applications now open. A family of four making up to $102,000 can qualify for aid in Washington - October 1
- Council to discuss proposals to expand educational attainment - August 17
- The importance of student supports in increasing educational outcomes - July 12
- Council to discuss expanding dual credit opportunities for Washington students - April 8
- WSAC announces spring schedule for higher education equity webinars - March 17
- Council to discuss higher education enrollment and affordability challenges - March 4
- State provides $5 million through the Emergency Relief Grant to support undocumented students - March 3
- WSAC announces an opportunity for adult learners in Pierce County - February 17
- Council to explore opportunities to increase college readiness and enrollment - January 8
2020
2020
- Council to finalize 2021-23 Strategic Action Plan - December 9
- Council to review 2021-23 Strategic Action Plan - November 12
- Help on the way for more hungry college students - October 22
- Washington launches new resource for higher education consumers - October 6
- Apply for financial aid to get education or training, expand options during uncertain times - October 1
- Council to approve proposals for the 2020 Strategic Action Plan - August 26
- Council welcoming new members, developing proposals to increase attainment amidst pandemic - August 14
- National coalition urges Secretary DeVos to protect student loan borrowers as the end looms for CARES Act relief - August 6
- Council will examine dual enrollment through equity lens - July 16
- Council to examine equity in postsecondary education during COVID-19 crisis - May 22
- Washingtonians looking for their next career step have a new Compass - April 9
- WA student loan advocate weighs in on federal COVID-19 changes for borrowers - March 26
- It's never too late to apply for the Washington College Grant - March 5
- National coalition of student loan ombudspersons urge automatic discharge for totally, permanently disabled civilian borrowers - March 3
- New Report: Modest increase in state's educational attainment, critical populations still underserved in postsecondary - February 5
- WSAC launches FAFSA completion dashboard - January 28
- Council will discuss opportunities to improve equity in dual credit - January 23
- Statewide rate of students signing up for College Bound Scholarship increases to 72 percent - January 22
2019
2019
- Washington launches consumer protection resource for college, vocational students - November 20
- GEAR UP West Professional of the Year awarded to WSAC's Beth Kelly - October 31
- Council welcomes Jeff Vincent, new member and chair - October 23
- Meotti on Inside Olympia: Support those facing the most barriers to access a valuable education - October 11
- How do we leverage Washington College Grant to raise awareness, enrollment, completion? - October 10
- Apply for financial aid to access Washington College Grant and other state, federal aid - September 30
- Council to discuss legislative proposals that increase postsecondary enrollment - September 13
- Central Washington University's Payton Swinford appointed to Student Achievement Council - July 31
- Executive director to share new Washington College Grant with national research community - July 26
- State denies South University's application to offer field placements in Washington - June 27
- Council to focus on increasing access to postsecondary education in North Central region - July 3
- National GEAR UP Professional of the Year awarded to Washington’s Marcie Sample - June 26
- 12th Year Campaign pays off in higher financial aid completion rates at participating sites - June 6
- Update: 2019 Legislative Session Overview - May 28
- State denies Ashford University's application to recruit, advertise in Washington - May 9
- Historic investment in Washington College Grant opens doors to college and career education - April 30
- Council to discuss strategic framework in pursuit of increased educational attainment - April 12
- College Promise Scholarship moving forward in the Legislature, funding questions remain - March 14
- Washington Student Achievement Council executive director testifies in U.S. Senate - March 12
- Location change for Art Institute of Seattle student information fairs - March 11
- Art Institute of Seattle to close on Friday March 8 - March 6
- Art Institute of Seattle students can learn about academic, financial options at info fairs - February 26
- Washington missed out on $50 million in federal student financial aid - February 14
- Washington State GEAR UP closes opportunity gaps for HS graduation, college enrollment - February 5
- Student loan borrowers have an advocate at the Washington Student Achievement Council - January 30
- Council to discuss strategies to increase educational attainment - January 24
- Governor recognizes highest number of schools, districts for College Bound sign-up rates - January 17
- Art Institute of Seattle designated as at-risk of closure - January 10
2018
2018
- Council will discuss opportunities to increase educational attainment statewide
- Get help applying for financial aid at a College Goal Washington event near you
- Office Hours: Regional highlight—Seattle's comprehensive support plan
- Council brings local leaders together to improve student access and support
- Council to finalize budget priorities for the 2019-21 biennium
- Council will review budget and legislative priorities for 2019-21 biennium
- Council work session to develop Strategic Action Plan for 2019-21 Biennium
- Council working with Greater Spokane, Inc. to meet regional needs
- College Bound Scholarship's newest cohort of students over 30,000 strong
- Council releases interactive data dashboard of progress toward attainment goals
2017
2017
- Council will discuss policy priorities for 2018 - November 29
- Council will hear findings of regional workforce needs assessment - October 5
- Apply for financial aid and get help at a local College Goal Washington event - October 3
- Washington state awarded $56.7 million to help students GEAR UP for college - October 2
- Council to discuss budget priorities for increasing educational attainment - September 6
- Joint Statement on DACA - September 5
- Washington Student Achievement Council welcomes new members - August 3
- Washington Student Achievement Council to enter contract negotiations with vendor for 529 college savings plan - June 26
- Council meeting to focus on Southwest Washington economy, Workforce needs - June 8
- Community representatives will present to the council and discuss attainment goals - April 13
- College bound scholarship investment pays off in high school graduation, college enrollment - Feburary 22
- Greater Spokane Incorporated will present to council on initiative to help adults finish degree - February 1
2016
2016
- Michael P. Meotti appointed executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council - December 21, 2016
- Council statement on Governor Inslee's budget - December 15, 2016
- Council to review Governor's budget on Friday conference call - December 15, 2016
- Council to discuss 2017 legislative priorities at November meeting - November 2, 2016
- Council to discuss statewide policy priorities at October meeting - October 5, 2016
- Washington Student Achievement Council issues 529 college savings plan RFP - October 5, 2016
- Apply for financial aid starting Oct. 1, get help at local College Goal Washington events - September 28, 2016
- ITT Tech's Washington campuses no longer eligible for state financial aid programs - August 29, 2016
- Council to discuss dual credit at September meeting - August 26, 2016
- Council to discuss education partners' priorities for 2017 Legislative Session - August 9, 2016
- Council committees to discuss strategic action plan initiatives - June 28, 2016
- Central Washington University student Jessica Murillo-Rosales joins Washington Student Achievement Council - June 16, 2016
- Council to continue discussions on executive director search - June 6, 2016
- Dr. Rachelle Sharpe appointed acting executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council - May 27, 2016
- Council to discuss strategies for increasing educational attainment - May 26, 2016
- College Bound high school grad rate 13 points higher than low-income student rate - April 14, 2016
- Council will hear from Tacoma Public Schools and the Road Map Project - April 6, 2016
- Executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council to retire - April 4, 2016
- Council to receive annual update on state financial aid programs - February 4, 2016
- Apply early for financial aid, get help at 120 College Goal Washington statewide events - January 12, 2016
2015
2015
- Marginal improvement signals urgent need to increase educational attainment - December 16, 2015
- Council will vote on adoption of 2015 Roadmap Report - December 3, 2015
- Council will review progress toward attainment goals and convene symposium on affordability - November 12, 2015
- College Bound Scholarship sign-up rate continues to break records at 91 percent - October 26, 2015
- Council to review educational attainment progress data and weigh in on analysis - October 8, 2015
- Bellevue College student Eric Pattison joins Washington Student Achievement Council - October 7, 2015
- Council to review factors affecting high school graduation and postsecondary success - August 7, 2015
- Education partners discuss roles in reaching attainment goals - June 11, 2015
- Governor Inslee signs bill to expand student access to dual-credit opportunities - May 11, 2015
- Exemplary High School Seniors Recognized with Washington Scholars Award - April 21, 2015
- Council begins review of minimum college admission standards - April 3, 2015
- College Bound high school grad rate over 10 points higher than low-income student rate - February 26, 2015
- Council engages partners in panel discussion on increasing educational attainment - February 5, 2015
- Now is the time for prospective students—including DREAMers—to apply for financial aid - January 14, 2015
2014
2014
- Council recommendations focus on postsecondary access, opportunity, and affordability - December 4, 2014
- College Goal Washington at 60 sites, helping Washingtonians apply for financial aid - December 2, 2014
- Adoption of 2014 Strategic Action Plan drives November council meeting agenda - November 14, 2014
- College Bound Scholarship cohort largest ever - October 6, 2014
- Council welcomes new member, recognizes achievements of outgoing K-12 representative - October 3, 2014
- Council to decide on agency-request legislation and approve 2014 Strategic Action Plan - October 2, 2014
- Council continues development of 2014 Strategic Action Plan - September 4, 2014
- Budget priorities and 2014 Strategic Action Plan drive discussion at council's August meeting - August 13, 2014
- Everest College-Renton notified of suspension from state financial aid programs - July 11, 2014
- Budget outlook and first generation students considered in Roadmap implementation - June 18, 2014
- Promise, support, and reward are keys to College Bound Scholarship students' success - May 13, 2014
- Roadmap implementation and increasing access to postsecondary education on Council's agenda - April 18, 2014
- ReadySetGrad.org nominated for "Best Education Website" in the 18th Annual Webby Awards - April 18, 2014
- High school seniors receive Washington's highest academic honor - April 15, 2014
- Governor Inslee Signs Bill Endorsing Roadmap Education Goals for 2023 - April 3, 2014
- Calling all "dreamers" - application for state financial aid now available - March 31, 2014
- Council Begins Roadmap Implementation - January 30, 2014
2013
2013
- Washington Student Achievement Council Continues Work to Increase Attainment
- Washington Student Achievement Council Welcomes New Student Member
- The Washington Student Achievement Council Selects New Officers
- The Washington Student Achievement Council Sets Sights on Increased Access to Higher Education
- Washington Student Achievement Council Continues Focus on Improving Education Outcomes for Washington Students
- Governor to Address Student Achievement Council at May 23 Meeting
- Student Achievement Council to Meet March 26 at St. Martin’s in Lacey
- High School Graduation Rates Soar for Students Enrolled in Washington College Bound Scholarship Program
- Student Achievement Council to hold Jan. 23 meeting in Des Moines