Financial Aid Application Support

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Financial Aid Application Support 

Need help completing your FAFSA or WASFA? Check out these upcoming workshops and support resources for assistance.

Receive individualized support to troubleshoot any questions or challenges you may be having with completion of your FAFSA or WASFA application.

Financial Aid Application (FAFSA & WASFA) Support Sessions

Workshop Date: Wednesdays
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Languages: English

Before You Attend:
  • Create an Account: Each person whose information will be reported on the FAFSA must have an FSA ID to verify their identity. It can take up to three business days to receive. If possible, it is recommended to complete this before the workshop. If not, we will assist you during the workshop.

  • Locate the following items:
    • 2025-2026 application (Summer Quarter 2025 through Spring Quarter 2026):
      • 2023 tax return
      • 2023 W2s
      • Parents' tax information if dependent
      • Non-filers may need to report 2023 untaxed income totals; please bring documentation with you
      • Students who are permanent residents will need to reference their permanent resident card number

Students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can find step-by-step direction videos provided by the Washington Student Achievement Council in both English and Spanish:

The Federal Student Aid Youtube page also provides helpful videos and a Frequently Asked Questions page. 

For additional support with the FAFSA application, please contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) through their website or calling 1-800-433-3243.

State Financial Aid for Non-FAFSA Applicants

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who choose not to 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.

People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, completing the FAFSA could maximize your potential 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 Questionnaire for more information; however, anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid.

There are various reasons people may choose to complete a WASFA instead of a FAFSA. For example: 

  • You or your parent(s) are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of your immigration status.
  • Your parent(s) or family member(s) do not wish to file a FAFSA.
  • You have privacy concerns about filing 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.

A note on privacy: Students and families are asked to provide personal information when applying for financial aid. It’s a necessary part of the process, but it’s natural to have concerns about privacy. Anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid; however, they will miss out on any federal aid they could be eligible for. Whether applying with FAFSA or WASFA, students and families should read any available privacy statements to understand where their data is going and how it is used.

Washington State Residency

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.

WASFA Application Resources

  • 2025-26 WASFA Application Guide
  • 2025-26 Sample WASFA   PDF
  • 2024-25 WASFA Application Guide
  • 2024-25 Sample WASFA PDF

For additional support with the WASFA application, please contact the Washington Student Achievement Council at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov or 888-535-0747, option 2.

The financial aid office offers support hours in-office and online via Zoom. Hours and contact information can be found on our Contact Us page.