What is FAFSA?​

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The sooner you file your FAFSA, more aid options will be available to you. To receive federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA every year you attend college. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and schoo​l aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

To be considered for federal student aid for the 2025 - 2026 award year, you can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form between Dec 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

What do I need to file a 2025-2026 FAFSA?

• FSA ID, which you can create here, or get more information about creating your FSA ID​

• Social Security number

• Driver license

• Bank statements

• Parent information (if you're a dependent)

• W-2 forms and tax returns from two years ago (2022 return for the 2024-2025 FAFSA) 

• Up to 20 schools you are interested in attending

What happens after I file my FAFSA?

​After filing your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) listing all the information you provided in the online application. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be included in the SAR. Colleges ​​​will then calculate your estimated cost of attendance (COA). Your EFC is subtracted from your COA to determine your eligibility for aid.

​​If you have additional questions, you find tutorials and other help materials on FAFSA's Help Page​​

In-State Scholarships/Grants:

• WashBoard

• WASFA

• WaGrant (Washington College Grant)

• WA Opportunity Scholarship

• Wa Foster Youth Grant​​​​

General Scholarship Search Sites:

• Scholarships​​ ​​

• Fas​tweb

• ​Cappex

• College Board

• Unigo

• StudentScholarships.org

• Going Merry

Other Scholarship Opportunities:

See Ms. Baker in the College & Career Center for local scholarship opportunities that are not available online.​ ​​

Many undergraduate students can cover some or all their college costs with the Washington College Grant (WA Grant) and/or Federal Pell Grant (Pell).

To estimate your potential financial aid award, you'll need to enter information about your family size and income.

The calculator is currently providing estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year. *WSAC does not collect any data you enter.