WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)
Concerned about privacy? Read the WASFA privacy statement.
State Financial Aid for Undocumented Students and Other Select Applicants
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA unless your college asks you to.
A person should complete the WASFA if they are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. The WASFA can also be used in limited circumstances by other select applicants who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.
People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA in order to maximize financial aid awards.
Should you complete a FAFSA or a WASFA?
If you are unsure if you should complete a FAFSA or a WASFA, complete the WASFA Eligibility Questionnaire.
Application
To find out if you qualify for state financial aid, complete the free WASFA. Your college or program will let you know if you meet state financial aid requirements after they review your WASFA. Be sure to check your email regularly for communications from your college or training program.
2024-25 WASFA application is now open!
2025-26 WASFA will be available in December 2024.
Which WASFA application year should I fill out?
- Complete the 2024-25 WASFA application if you are planning on being enrolled in college (as a new student or continuing student) in fall term 2024 through spring term 2025.
- Complete the 2025-26 WASFA if you are planning on being enrolled in college in fall term 2025 through spring term 2026.
- Planning on taking courses in the summer? Please check with the college you will be attending to confirm which application you need to complete if you are enrolling in summer sessions.
New User
- Complete a WASFA for the first time
- Complete the WASFA eligibility questionnaire
Returning User
- Make a correction/Add a school
- Submit an application for a new year
Application Resources
- 2024-25 WASFA Application Guide — English (word) (PDF) Spanish (word) (PDF)
- 2024-25 Sample WASFA — PDF
Questions? Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council by email at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov, or call 888-535-0747 and select option 2.
WASFA Privacy Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers state financial aid including the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, for undocumented individuals. The Council is committed to providing opportunities and support to ensure every Washington student is able to pursue education beyond high school.
Regarding concerns that students, parents, and other partners may have about the confidentiality of information submitted on the WASFA, the purpose of the application is to provide eligibility information to colleges and universities in Washington that offer the Washington College Grant and the College Bound Scholarship. WSAC shares application information with campuses listed by the student so those schools may determine eligibility for resident tuition and financial aid. Campuses are not permitted to use the information for other purposes or share the data with other parties.
WSAC is committed to protecting the confidentiality of the information and privacy of students and families. Washington is a state committed to providing opportunities to students and protecting the rights of families.
Learn more about WASFA
Washington Residency
Washington Residency
Are you a Washington resident student?
Students must be Washington residents to pay in-state tuition or get state financial aid. Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens can be Washington residents, including undocumented students.
In most cases, a Washington resident is someone who 1) lives in the state for one year immediately prior to starting their college or program and 2) has a high school diploma or equivalent. But there are other ways to be a resident. Learn more on WSAC’s Student Residency web page.
Other Select Applicants
Other Select Applicants
If you are eligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA in order to maximize financial aid awards. There are limited circumstances, beyond the applicant's immigration status, in which a person may choose to complete a WASFA instead of a FAFSA, including:
- Your parents are undocumented, or your family members do not wish to file a FAFSA.
- You or your parent(s) do not and will not file federal income taxes.
- You have federal loans that are in default.
- You owe a repayment on federal grants.
