Apply for Financial Aid
Most people should complete a FAFSA to get the most money available.
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Undocumented students and limited others can apply for state aid with the WASFA.
Click to check eligibility
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 money available.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, is for financial aid from the state and some college aid, and is only for people who don’t fill out a FAFSA due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues. 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 Eligibility Questionnaire.
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 only for people who don’t fill out a FAFSA due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues. 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 Eligibility Questionnaire.
When should I apply?
Both the FAFSA (for most people) and the WASFA (for undocumented students and limited others) for the 2024-25 academic year are now open. The 2025-26 FAFSA and WASFA applications will be available in December 2024. 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?
Not sure how to get started with your financial aid application? You have a variety of resource options.
When should I apply?
Both the FAFSA (for most people) and the WASFA (for undocumented students and limited others) for the 2024-25 academic year are now open. The 2025-26 FAFSA and WASFA applications will be available in December 2024. 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?
Not sure how to get started with your financial aid application? You have a variety of resource options.
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.
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.
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.