Join the region-wide effort to ensure students can pursue the education and career of their choice.
Fill out your FAFSA or WASFA today.
Join the region-wide effort to ensure students can pursue the education and career of their choice.
Fill out your FAFSA or WASFA today.
FAFSA/WASFA Open Doors.
Our entire community is coming together to increase FAFSA and WASFA completion, and we all have a role in this effort.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) are key to accessing resources for going on to apprenticeships, credentials, technical and associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
Federal and state student aid unlocks opportunity so that every student and family in our community can pursue the post-high school education and career of their choice.
For me, filling out the FAFSA was the key to college. I now have the opportunity to explore and work to achieve my dreams, and FAFSA had a big hand in that.
If I didn’t fill out the FAFSA, I wouldn’t even know there were more scholarships available to help me. FAFSA has opened so many doors. I am really excited to stop stressing about financial standing and to give back to the communities that I came from and assist anyone who is in a similar situation that I was.
I was always worried about money because college is very expensive. FAFSA to me is a great help.
I don’t have to worry about how to pay for college, and that takes a huge weight off my shoulders. WASFA opens doors for your future.
FAFSA Completion in Our Region
In 2022, Washington State ranked 49th and Idaho 48th out of 50 states in FAFSA completion. This leaves millions of unclaimed dollars on the table for students in our region every year.
$50 Million left unclaimed in Washington State in 2017 by not filling out the FAFSA.
$3.75 Billion nationally in Pell Grants left unclaimed by Class of 2021 that would have been unlocked by the FAFSA.
%
Eligible Washington students who have NOT completed their FAFSA for the coming year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAFSA and WASFA?
To receive federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. The state of Washington has one of the most generous grant programs in the country and also uses the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state grants, scholarships and work study. In addition, most universities and educational programs, as well as private scholarship providers, use your FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. A person should complete the WASFA if they are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA. The WASFA can also be used in limited circumstances by other select applicants who cannot/choose not to file a FAFSA.
Why should I fill it out?
Filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for your post-high school education. It’s the gateway to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, as well as certain state-based aid, aid from colleges and educational programs and many private scholarship providers.
If you do not think you will receive any aid or are unsure what you are doing after graduating high-school, fill it out anyway. The application is free and helps you understand what opportunities lie ahead of you.
Do FAFSA or WASFA help with money for trade schools and apprenticeships?
Yes – FAFSA and WASFA unlock aid for all types of post-high school education. FAFSA and WASFA determine eligibility for financial aid for apprenticeships, technical training, 2-year and 4-year degree programs. Federal and state financial aid helps you to pursue any career that you want.
Is the information I submit safe?
Yes. All information you submit when completing your FAFSA or WASFA is protected and only used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. Your data is protected from misuse by unauthorized parties or individuals.
Learn more about the FAFSA and WASFA’s strong committments to your data privacy.
Does completing the FAFSA or WASFA commit me to taking loans or attending a post-high school program?
No. It enables colleges and other educational programs to inform you about all of the financial aid resources available to you. You get to choose which resources you want to take advantage of.
LOOKING FOR HELP FILLING OUT YOUR FAFSA OR WASFA APPLICATION?
Partners across our region are available to help answer your application questions.
Schools, universities, local organizations like College Success Foundation, STCU, and beyond are hosting in-person and virtual events to help complete FAFSA or WASFA applications.
OUR PARTNERS
We are proud to work alongside the following campaign Design Team and organizations in this important effort.
Click on the logos below to access the FAFSA or WASFA assistance information from our partners.
FAFSA/WASFA Campaign Design Team Members
Shannon Demant, College Success Foundation
Licett Figueroa-Garbe, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
Christi Harter, Greater Spokane Inc.
Lori Hunt, Community Colleges of Spokane
Jana Jaraysi, Eastern Washington University
Dean Kahler, University of Idaho
Scott Kerwien, Spokane Public Schools
Mark Mattke, Spokane Workforce Council
Traci McGlathery, STCU
Greg Orwig, Whitworth University
Debbie Reeder, West Valley High School
Rob Roettger, New ESD 101
Gene Sementi, RLR Consulting
Traci Stensland, Whitworth University
Kandi Teeters, Eastern Washington University
Sarah Updike, Gonzaga University
Get Involved
We invite our entire community to join this effort. Share information about the FAFSA or WASFA with students and families you know, sign up for our newsletter, join our campaign team, or submit an event you are hosting that we will share with our networks.