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2025-26 WASFA Application Will Open in December 

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2025-26 WASFA Application Will Open in December 

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At this time, we are unable to provide a specific opening date, except that it will be in December 2024. Rest assured, we will notify the community once the application is open and available to students. Additionally, we will send an email to previous WASFA filers when the application becomes accessible

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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! Applications are also still being accepted for 2023-24.
Which WASFA application year should I fill out?

Complete the 2023-24 WASFA application if you are planning on being enrolled in college (as a new student or continuing student) in fall term 2023 through spring term 2024.

Complete the 2024-25 WASFA if you are planning on being enrolled in college in fall term 2024 through spring term 2025.

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

Application Resources

2024-25 WASFA Application Guide - English (word) (PDF)

2024-25 Sample WASFA - English

2023-24 WASFA Application Guide - English (word) (PDF)

2023-24 Sample WASFA - English

Questions? Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council by email at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov, or call 888-535-0747 and select option 2.

Learn more about WASFA

WASFA Privacy Statement

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.

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.

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WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)

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Concerned about privacy? Read the WASFA privacy statement. 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.

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NCAN Shares FAFSA Guidance for Mixed-Status Families

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NCAN Shares FAFSA Guidance for Mixed-Status Families

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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.

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FSA 2025–26 Counselor Resource for Completing the FAFSA® Form

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FSA 2025–26 Counselor Resource for Completing the FAFSA® Form

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The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form can seem complicated, but this resource can help counselors and mentors guide students and their families through some of the parts that they tend to find tricky.

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New Resource: How to Access Interpreter Support From Federal Student Aid

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New Resource: How to Access Interpreter Support From Federal Student Aid

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Students and contributors that are working on their FSA IDs or FAFSA forms can find written “Get Started” content and how to request an interpreter.

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This resource hub provides up-to-date information and resources to support students from mixed-status immigrant families to complete the FAFSA.

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This resource hub provides up-to-date information and resources to support mixed-status families to complete the FAFSA.

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The 2025 -2026 FAFSA is now available!

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If you are working with a student or contributor that needs language support on the FAFSA please use this resource.

If students need assistance in English or Spanish, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) for help.

If students need assistance in a different language, they can use FSA interpretation services found at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/request-interpreter

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) prototype offers you an advance opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the 2025–26 FAFSA form user experience ahead of its release.

What is the 2025–26 FAFSA® prototype?

The FAFSA prototype is not a complete replica of the 2025–26 FAFSA form that will be available on fafsa.gov. Instead, it’s a web-based design tool that allows users to navigate specific scenarios that many 2025–26 applicants will encounter on the live website.

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2025–26 FAFSA Prototype Now Available | Knowledge Center

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BREAKING: 2025-26 FAFSA TO OPEN DECEMBER 1

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BREAKING: 2025-26 FAFSA TO OPEN DECEMBER 1

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FSA just announced that the 2025-26 FAFSA will be released on December 1, 2024, with full, end-to-end functionality. The outreach tools and resources that typically accompany the form will be released in advance and FAFSA processing will occur within one to three days of submission. If realized, this announcement means that the system will be fully functional for all students on December 1, 2024.

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Update on Identity Validation Flexibilities for Individuals without Social Security Numbers and Key Remaining Scope for the 2025-26 FAFSA Cycle

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Update on Identity Validation Flexibilities for Individuals without Social Security Numbers and Key Remaining Scope for the 2025-26 FAFSA Cycle

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2025-26 FAFSA cycle and will not implement any form of restricted status for students or contributors without an SSN.

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Update on Identity Validation Flexibilities for Individuals without Social Security Numbers and Key Remaining Scope for the 2024-25 FAFSA Cycle | Knowledge Center

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https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/fafsa-simplification-information/2024-25-fafsa-issue-alerts

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Washington Council for High School-College Relations (WCHSCR) 2024 Fall Counselor Workshops

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Washington Council for High School-College Relations (WCHSCR) 2024 Fall Counselor Workshops

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These very popular workshops provide professional development for school counselors, career center specialist, HSBP coordinators and those in college-access work. Held in-person and virtually, we’re excited to provide current information from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The State Board of Education (SBE),  State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Council of Presidents (COP), Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), as well as from our public and private four-year institutions and community and technical colleges.

The virtual option will not include college updates. It will be shorter, and therefor offer fewer clock hours.

Clock hours will be provided for the workshops this year through Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA). Details will be announced at each event.

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These very popular workshops provide professional development for school counselors, career center specialist, HSBP coordinators and those in college-access work. Held in-person and virtually, we're excited to provide current information from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The State Board of Education (SBE), State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Council of Presidents (COP), Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), as well as from our public and private four-year institutions and community and technical colleges.

The virtual option will not include college updates. It will be shorter, and therefor offer fewer clock hours.

Clock hours will be provided for the workshops this year through Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA). Details will be announced at each event.

2024 Schedule (To register, click on the workshop date you would like to attend this event.)
September 9 th - Fall Counselor Workshop - Cheney @ EWU

September 10 th- Fall Counselor Workshop - Pasco @ CBC

September 11 th - Fall Counselor Workshop - Vancouver @ WSU Vancouver

September 12 th- Fall Counselor Workshop - Lakewood @ CPT

September 13 th - Fall Counselor Workshop - Bothell @ UW Bothell

September 17 th- Fall Counselor Workshop - Virtual Option

Note: that program registration will close in alignment with catering count reporting and/or capacity of the physical event space.

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These very popular workshops provide professional development for school counselors, career center specialist, HSBP coordinators and those in college-access work.

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The 2025-26 FAFSA form will not be made available for public comment.

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The 2025-26 FAFSA form will not be made available for public comment.

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The 2025-26 FAFSA form will not be made available for public comment. However, FSA will continue to focus their efforts on improving the user experience for students, families, and their partners and will collect feedback to inform their efforts.

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Electronic Announcement ID

Details Related to the 2025-26 FAFSA Form Launch, Opportunities for Engagement, and Additional Activities for the 2024-25 Cycle

On June 14, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) released new details on the launch of the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) form and opportunities for our partners to submit feedback. This announcement provides additional details about the launch of the 2025-26 FAFSA form, opportunities for engagement, and the remaining core functionality we are planning for the 2024-25 cycle.

To date, more than 11 million 2024-25 FAFSA forms have been received and processed by the Department. We are closing the gap in year-over-year FAFSA submissions, thanks to the support and engagement of our partners, including through the Department's FAFSA Student Support Strategy. The submissions gap is also shrinking-from nearly 40 percent in March to roughly 8 percent today.

We have heard from students, families, institutions, states, and those that support them that it is important for the 2025-26 FAFSA form to launch on October 1. The Department is working toward this goal and will share updates about additional functionalities as we learn more.

To ensure a smooth user experience during the upcoming FAFSA cycle, the 2025-26 FAFSA form will remain consistent with the 2024-25 form. As a result, and similar to previous years when we have not had major shifts in functionality, the 2025-26 form will not be made available for public comment. However, we will continue to focus our efforts on improving the user experience for students, families, and our partners and will collect feedback to inform our efforts, as described below.

The Department is announcing a series of listening sessions to take place over the coming weeks to inform how to better support students, families, colleges, states, and other partners for a successful 2025-26 FAFSA cycle. In addition, the Department will release a Request for Information (RFI) this summer to solicit feedback from those not able to attend the sessions.

The Department will request specific feedback on ways to improve the help text on the form, student tip sheets, or other direct communication to ensure applicants and contributors can successfully complete and submit the form. The Department will also request feedback from financial aid administrators, counselors and others on ways the Department can provide additional support to them in their work.

The listening sessions and RFI will also lead to the development of a new Better FAFSA Better Future Roadmap-to be released in late summer-that will outline new tools the Department is making available, such as additional trainings, webinars, counselor guides, and student tip sheets.

To help further support students and their families with submitting a 2024-25 FAFSA form, the Department is also announcing a new series of webinars and online videos. More information on these sessions and tools will be released in the coming weeks.

The Department is entering the final phases of testing on two functions: processing 2024-25 paper FAFSA forms-including those submitted by confined or incarcerated students-and the ability for schools to submit corrections electronically by entering the data manually via the FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP). We previously announced, via Electronic Announcement (EA) GENERAL-24-56, that these functionalities would be available by the end of June, and we expect to meet that milestone, contingent upon our remaining testing activities. In the weeks after the launch of FPP corrections, we will release additional enhancements.

We are working diligently to release additional functionality. Batch institutional corrections via the Electronic Data Exchange (EDE), as well as paper corrections, will be available in the first half of August.

While we will continue to make user improvements to the FAFSA form and experience -including as informed by the partner feedback described above-there are no other core functionalities being planned for 2024-25 as the Department shifts to focus on a successful 2025-26 launch.

We plan to perform additional identity verification and the NSLDS post-screening processes for 2024-25 FAFSA applications later in the calendar year. Additional 2024-25 FAFSA transactions that are flagged for identity verification or due to NSLDS post-screening will be generated at that time. In the coming days, we will share additional guidance, options, and tools for schools and vendors related to these functionalities.

Questions about the information in this announcement can be submitted to the Department using the Contact Customer Support form in Federal Student Aid's Partner Connect Help Center. To submit a question, please enter your name, email address, topic, and question. When submitting a question related to this announcement, please select the topic "2024-25 FAFSA."

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Details Related to the 2025-26 FAFSA Form Launch, Opportunities for Engagement, and Additional Activities for the 2024-25 Cycle | Knowledge Center

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Electronic Announcement ID Details Related to the 2025-26 FAFSA Form Launch, Opportunities for Engagement, and Additional Activities for the 2024-25 Cycle On June 14, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) released new details on the launch of the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) form and opportunities for our partners to submit feedback.

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Use this worksheet to help you understand your financial aid offer if you are going to live on campus.

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Key Components to Understanding your Award Letter

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Key Components to Understanding your Award Letter

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Use this worksheet to help you understand Key Components of your award letter.

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Off Campus Financial Aid Offer Worksheet

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Off Campus Financial Aid Offer Worksheet

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Use this worksheet to help you understand your financial aid offer if you are going to live off campus or at home

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Update on Access to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number

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Update on Access to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number

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The Department of Education is temporarily allowing individuals without an SSN to immediately access the online 2024-25 FAFSA form after creating a StudentAid.gov account.

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Today, the Department is announcing changes to our systems to allow applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) to immediately access the online 2024-25 FAFSA form after creating a StudentAid.gov account. These changes should significantly streamline the application process for students who have contributors without an SSN. The Department continues to address known issues impacting applicant experiences as outlined in the Issue Alerts page and the Technical FAQ Known Issues Guide to continuously improve the 2024-25 FAFSA experience.

The Department is temporarily allowing individuals without an SSN to enter and complete the 2024-25 FAFSA. Students and contributors without an SSN must continue to manually enter their tax information. Students without an SSN must verify their eligible noncitizen status through their school before they receive any federal funds.

As previously posted to the Issue Alerts page on the Knowledge Center, students and contributors without SSNs cannot be matched with the IRS. Until the IRS data retrieval issue is resolved, students and contributors without SSNs must manually enter their tax information and can use the flexibility around the identify validation process described in this announcement. The Department currently has no timeline available for resolution, but we will share updates when they are available.

The Department is aware that there has been some erroneous information posted on public sites regarding the identity validation process, creating confusion for some individuals on where to submit documents and how to start the process. Official guidance for completing the identity validation process for those without an SSN can be found on StudentAid.gov. If an individual's StudentAid.gov account does not show a status of "no-SSN" with a green check icon and they have not received an email notifying them of this temporary change, they will need to follow the instructions for individuals without an SSN to create a StudentAid.gov account, as they are not currently in the Department's system.

Bypassing the identity validation process does not preclude student applicants without an SSN (who are citizens of the Freely Associated States) from having to meet eligibility requirements for federal student aid. As in previous years, Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) received for students without an SSN who are also citizens of the Freely Associated States will not have an A-Number and will also not go through DHS match. Instead, schools must request documentation to verify the student's eligible noncitizen status, as a citizen of the Freely Associated States. Additional guidance on verifying the citizen and eligible noncitizen status of students can be found in the 2024-25 FSA Handbook, Volume 1: Student Eligibility, Chapter 2. Schools must ensure that the student's identity and citizenship status is verified before disbursing aid.

Schools may direct students and families who have questions about their eligible noncitizen status, or concerns that their parent or spouse's citizenship status impacts their eligibility for federal student aid, to our guidance for non-U.S. citizens.

If an individual without an SSN continues to have issues logging in to StudentAid.gov, they should contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center for assistance with signing in to their account.

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Update on Access to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number | Knowledge Center

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Today, the Department is announcing changes to our systems to allow applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) to immediately access the online 2024-25 FAFSA form after creating a StudentAid.gov account. These changes should significantly streamline the application process for students who have contributors without an SSN.

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FAFSA Completion Portal is Now Available for School Staff

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FAFSA Completion Portal is Now Available for School Staff

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WSAC Portal - FAFSA Completion Initiative

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Federal Student Aid has published how to correct the most common errors. Please use this resource when working with your students.

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4/9/24 Updates on Timelines for Corrections and Reprocessing 

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4/9/24 Updates on Timelines for Corrections and Reprocessing 

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This electronic announcement provides a technical update on the Department of Education’s (the Department’s) plans to:

implement students’ ability to make corrections to their 2024-25 FAFSA forms,

reprocess ISIRs affected by known errors, and

outline options for institutions and states as they package and award financial aid.

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Electronic Announcement ID

Updates on Timelines for Corrections and Reprocessing and What it Means for Partners

This electronic announcement provides a technical update on the Department of Education's (the Department's) plans to:

We appreciate the extraordinary efforts being made by schools, vendors, states, and other partners during this difficult year. The information and resources described in this announcement are intended to help schools assess the Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) they have received and package financial aid offers for students as quickly as possible.

The Department has now transmitted the ISIRs from approximately 7 million FAFSA forms to schools, states, and designated scholarship organizations. Applicants' ISIRs are now being sent within 1 to 3 days of submission.

We have carefully considered the questions and issues raised by our partners through our call centers and email, listening sessions, direct engagement, and other means of outreach. The Technical FAQ and Known Issues documentation contains the status of many of those issues. Going forward, we will continue to quickly identify, communicate about, and resolve any issues that arise.

Based on partner feedback and our own testing, we now believe we have identified the errors affecting the accurate processing of large numbers of FAFSA forms and have fixed those errors within the FAFSA processing system (FPS) and the IRS FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX). The Department is sending ISIRs that provide a reliable basis for schools and states to package student aid.

We have completed the development of the necessary code, and this week, we are entering the final phases of testing, which may include the corrections functionality being available for brief periods of time (i.e., several hours at a time) over the coming days to those who have submitted FAFSA forms.

Timeline for student corrections: Our goal is to make student corrections broadly available early next week. Once they are able to do so, students who need to make corrections or who choose to make additions or changes to their FAFSA forms should return to StudentAid.gov to complete those updates. We will communicate publicly that students needing to make corrections, such as adding schools, providing a signature, and allowing for IRS data to be shared can do so by logging into their account. For most applicants and contributors, this process should only take a few minutes. Schools and states should typically receive a new ISIR transaction, and students should typically be able to review their updated FAFSA Submission Summary, within 1 to 3 days of the applicant's submission of a correction.

Proportion of records: To date, as many as 16% of FAFSA applications require a student correction. In addition, some students may wish to send their records to additional schools or make other student-initiated corrections.

The overwhelming majority (95%) of the required student corrections involve six issues, which we have prioritized in our testing. Four of these are that the form is missing a student's signature, a parent's signature, consent and approval from the student to retrieve federal tax information (FTI) as required by the FAFSA Simplification Act, or consent and approval from the parent to retrieve FTI. Two additional issues include dependent students choosing to only be considered for eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized Loans or making selections on the form that place them in a provisionally independent status at historically high rates. We will continue to provide updates to address corrections-related issues as they arise.

Approximately 30% of FAFSA forms are potentially affected by known processing or data errors. (This could include overlap with some FAFSA forms that require student corrections, as previously described.) These errors have arisen in both the calculations performed by the FPS and the data provided by the FA-DDX.

Schools and state agencies will receive a subsequent ISIR transaction for each reprocessed record. In order to move forward expeditiously, schools and states can exercise their judgment to use the original ISIR-not the reprocessed record-as the basis to make financial aid offers and awards. However, if the reprocessed ISIR results in greater financial aid eligibility for students, schools and states will be required to revise their financial aid offer based upon the reprocessed ISIRs.

In the coming days, the Department will provide data to assist schools in identifying the records for which the reprocessing will increase students' aid eligibility, as described in more detail below. In addition, in a separate Electronic Announcement, we will provide additional information about how schools and states can treat ISIRs affected by errors when making financial aid offers and disbursing funds during the 2024-25 award year.

Proportion of records: About one-third of potentially affected records-approximately 10% of all forms-require reprocessing through the FPS. (A subset of these forms may also require corrected tax information, as described below.) The largest group of these forms includes an incorrectly calculated Student Aid Index for records of dependent students with assets, as outlined in a March 22 Electronic Announcement (GENERAL-24-24). Other issues that require reprocessing, as outlined in the Technical FAQ and Known Issues documentation, are also included in this group.

Timeline for reprocessing: We expect to reprocess these records during the week of April 15. As noted above, schools and states can exercise their judgment to use the ISIRs they have now as the basis to make financial aid offers. The Department expects the vast majority of these reprocessed ISIRs to reduce student aid eligibility.

Proportion of records: The remaining two-thirds of potentially affected records-approximately 20% of all FAFSA forms-require corrected tax information from the IRS as outlined in an April 1 Electronic Announcement (GENERAL-24-29). These inconsistences are related to (1) education tax credits and (2) data for the adjusted gross income (AGI) and filing status from amended or updated returns.

Timeline for reprocessing: We are working to reprocess FAFSA forms affected by tax data issues. We are currently targeting to reprocess these records and begin sending them to schools by May 1 and will keep you updated on our progress. Reprocessing these records will require building the capability to update tax information during reprocessing, rather than simply retrieving it once, which includes significant programming and testing within our processing system. The Department expects most, but not all, of these reprocessed ISIRs to reduce student aid eligibility. As noted above, schools and states can exercise their judgment to use the ISIRs they have now if the reprocessed ISIR does not result in greater financial aid eligibility for students.

On April 5-as outlined in an April 3 Electronic Announcement (GENERAL-24-31) -the Department sent two lists of student records to institutions and states. The first contained a list of FAFSA Universally Unique Identification Numbers (UUIDs) from records that are unaffected by known errors, and the second contained a FAFSA UUID list of those that are affected by known errors and that the Department intends to reprocess. The lists can be used to identify the approximately 30% of records potentially affected by errors that the Department intends to reprocess.

Later this week, we will be securely sending additional data to SAIG mailboxes to assist schools and states with analyzing affected records to further identify additional records for which they can package aid. The data will be school- or state-specific and will include:

Each record will also include an identification of the known issue that triggered reprocessing and whether the record will require reprocessing through the FPS system, the FA-DDX system, or both. Most will also include an indication of whether the SAI on the reprocessed ISIR will be higher or lower than the original ISIR.

The following is a summary table describing the different categories of ISIRs and how schools and states can move forward with processing records.

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Updates on Timelines for Corrections and Reprocessing and What it Means for Partners | Knowledge Center

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Electronic Announcement ID Updates on Timelines for Corrections and Reprocessing and What it Means for Partners This electronic announcement provides a technical update on the Department of Education's (the Department's) plans to: We appreciate the extraordinary efforts being made by schools, vendors, states, and other partners during this difficult year.

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Class of 2025 Financial Aid Night Hosted by The 12th Year Campaign

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Class of 2025 Financial Aid Night Hosted by The 12th Year Campaign

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Class of 2025 it's time to take your first steps to applying for financial aid! Learn more about your options for paying for education after high school and resources to support you. Take your first step at this event by creating your FSA ID or WASFA account with help from Washington Student Achievement Council staff.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdu-sqD0pHNOSMqiIhdQvh6puEnT3wHeb

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Due to the delayed release of the FAFSA/WASFA,  please expect delays in college financial aid offers this year.  

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Due to the delayed release of the FAFSA/WASFA,  please expect delays in college financial aid offers this year.  

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After months of waiting and workarounds, the US Department of Education (ED) announced late Tuesday that it corrected the FAFSA software to allow contributors without Social Security numbers to use the online application, with two limitations.

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education

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This briefing will provide the latest updates from the Department of Education on the status of the Better FAFSA for mixed-status families, along with recommendations and resources for institutions and practitioners looking to advise students with non-SSN contributors.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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This briefing will provide the latest updates from the Department of Education on the status of the Better FAFSA for mixed-status families, along with recommendations and resources for institutions and practitioners looking to advise students with non-SSN contributors. The Department of Education released an updated version of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) in late December, 2023.

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education

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This briefing will provide the latest updates from the Department of Education on the status of the Better FAFSA for mixed-status families, along with recommendations and resources for institutions and practitioners looking to advise students with non-SSN contributors.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families: Updates from the Department of Education. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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This briefing will provide the latest updates from the Department of Education on the status of the Better FAFSA for mixed-status families, along with recommendations and resources for institutions and practitioners looking to advise students with non-SSN contributors. The Department of Education released an updated version of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) in late December, 2023.

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Additional Details of 2024-25 ISIR Delivery, Updates for Non-SSN Contributors, and Launch of the FAFSA Partner Portal

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Additional Details of 2024-25 ISIR Delivery, Updates for Non-SSN Contributors, and Launch of the FAFSA Partner Portal

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Additional Details of 2024-25 ISIR Delivery, Updates for Non-SSN Contributors, and Launch of the FAFSA Partner Portal | Knowledge Center

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Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number 

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Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number 

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ED announced today that it has corrected the FAFSA software to allow contributors without Social Security numbers to use the online application, but identified two issues with the fix. NCAN will detail those in an upcoming post when more information is available. Generally, the first is that matching requires exact entry of personally identifiable information in order to make the match. This includes the address as exactly listed in the parents FSA ID. The second is that the system is not able to retrieve IRS data for those contributors, so it will require them to enter their information manually.

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Electronic Announcement ID

Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number (SSN)

In the Mar. 4, 2024 Electronic Announcement (EA ID: GENERAL-24-17), the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) committed to resolving the known issues within the 2024-25 FAFSA online form impacting students who have a contributor(s) without a Social Security number (SSN) in the first half of March. We have made technical updates that enable students with contributors without an SSN to now successfully submit the form. Some students in this scenario may still be encountering trouble submitting the form - the Department is aware of these issues and is working on resolutions.

As of today, we have implemented and verified two technical fixes that have resolved access for impacted individuals:

As part of the implementation of this fix, the Department uncovered separate issues that still need to be resolved:

The Department is releasing a new tips document for students who have a contributor without an SSN to help ensure they can successfully navigate the form. Individuals may access the new tips document and sign up to receive updates from the Department on issues impacting students who have contributors without an SSN at https://www.ed.gov/FAFSAContributorUpdates.

We will also post an update to the Issues Alert section of the 2024-25 FAFSA Updates page and to reflect the updates noted in this announcement.

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Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number (SSN) | Knowledge Center

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Electronic Announcement ID Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number (SSN) In the Mar. 4, 2024 Electronic Announcement (EA ID: GENERAL-24-17), the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) committed to resolving the known issues within the 2024-25 FAFSA online form impacting students who have a contributor(s) without a Social Security number (SSN) in the first half of March.

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Washington’s public, four-year institutions are extending the College Decision Day to June 1, 2024

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Washington’s public, four-year institutions are extending the College Decision Day to June 1, 2024

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Resource: NCAN Navigating the Challenges of the 2024-25 FAFSA

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Resource: NCAN Navigating the Challenges of the 2024-25 FAFSA

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This web page will be used by us at the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) to share current updates to challenges, issues, and workarounds users are experiencing with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information from the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), NCAN, our members, and the college access and attainment field will be housed here. Check back often as the page will be updated regularly.

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Press Release: U.S. Department of Education Deploys Federal Personnel, Funding, and Resources to Support Colleges, Students, and Families with Better FAFSA®

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Press Release: U.S. Department of Education Deploys Federal Personnel, Funding, and Resources to Support Colleges, Students, and Families with Better FAFSA®

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The Department’s FAFSA College Support Strategy includes:

Deploying federal personnel and expertise to help colleges prepare and process financial aid forms

Directing funding for technical assistance and support for under resourced colleges

Releasing tools to help colleges prepare to quickly and accurately process student records and deliver financial aid packages

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The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today released a FAFSA College Support Strategy to provide additional personnel, funding, resources, and technology to help schools and students complete the better FAFSA form and to help colleges prepare to process student records as quickly and accurately as possible. The Department's top priority is to ensure students can access the maximum financial aid possible to help them pursue their higher education goals and bring college in reach for more Americans. Since the new 2024-25 FAFSA form became available on Dec. 30, more than 3.6 million forms have been successfully submitted.

The Department's FAFSA College Support Strategy includes:

Deploying federal personnel and expertise to help colleges prepare and process financial aid forms

Directing funding for technical assistance and support for under resourced colleges

Releasing tools to help colleges prepare to quickly and accurately process student records and deliver financial aid packages

"Make no mistake: the Better FAFSA is transformational," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "We are determined to get this right. We must, and we will. Our hope is that these steps we're announcing today are going to go a long way toward helping colleges and universities make the most of the Better FAFSA."

The Department's FAFSA College Support Strategy will particularly focus on lower-resourced schools that may have a smaller number of administrative staff and may utilize older software systems. The Department's goal is to not only deploy resources for colleges to accelerate the development of student aid packages, but also to make sure students have adequate time to make important decisions about their higher education options. As supported by the American Council on Education and others, the Department welcomes institutions providing students and families as much flexibility as possible and as much time as possible to review aid offers to make enrollment decisions.
Deploying federal personnel and expertise to colleges
The Department will be deploying federal financial aid experts to a group of lowered-resourced colleges to ensure these colleges have the tools and information needed to process financial aid packages, understand the steps they need to take to prepare, deliver direct on-campus support, and provide ongoing consultations and trainings as needed. Through this effort, the Department expects to serve Historically Black Colleges and Universities, tribal colleges and universities, and colleges that are lower-resourced.

The Department is also standing up a new concierge service within the office of Federal Student Aid, which will provide a broad set of colleges direct contact with financial aid experts to help to provide them personalized support based on an institution's needs. These federal liaisons, many of whom are former financial aid professionals, will answer questions and connect colleges to available resources.
Providing funding for technical assistance and on-the-ground support
The Department is allocating $50 million in federal funding that will be provided to non-profit groups specialized in financial aid support and services. These groups will use these funds to recruit financial aid professionals to provide additional technical assistance and support, beyond the federal teams deployed by the Department, for under resourced colleges. Participating colleges will receive additional staff support to deliver services such as assessing financial aid system readiness and implementing necessary updates, training staff, developing aid packages, and carrying out other student aid compliance requirements. The federal funding will be administered by the Educational Credit Management Corporation and will engage experienced nonprofits like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Partnership for Education Advancement.
Releasing data and tools to help colleges prepare to quickly and accurately process student records, deliver financial aid packages
The Department will begin releasing test versions of institutional student financial aid information records (ISIRs) within the next two weeks and will be actively working with financial aid system developers so that colleges and states can prepare their systems. These test ISIRs will enable colleges to prepare their own systems and processes to efficiently assemble aid packages.

On Friday, the Department began posting new data and resources to help schools drive FAFSA completion and improve the user experience for the new 2024-25 FAFSA. The Department released data by high school on their students' 2024-25 FAFSA submissions, two months ahead of schedule. Originally planned to be released starting in April 2024, the Department is now providing weekly updates to allow high schools to track progress, target supports, and encourage their students to submit a FAFSA form.

In addition, to continue to ensure the 2024-25 FAFSA form successfully improves the user experience-particularly for students and their families-the Department announced a new resource, at StudentAid.gov/fafsatips, that gives FAFSA applicants and contributors tips to help them successfully complete and submit the 2024-25 FAFSA form.

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U.S. Department of Education Deploys Federal Personnel, Funding, and Resources to Support Colleges, Students, and Families with Better FAFSA® | U.S. Department of Education

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U.S. Department of Education Deploys Federal Personnel, Funding, and Resources to Support Colleges, Students, and Families with Better FAFSA®

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Federal Student Aid Pro Tips for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form

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Federal Student Aid Pro Tips for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form

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Use these tips to help you successfully complete the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

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WA High School Level FAFSA Completion Data (12/31/23 - 1/26/24) Available Now!

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WA High School Level FAFSA Completion Data (12/31/23 - 1/26/24) Available Now!

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Federal Student Aid has released high school level data on FAFSA submissions through 1/26/24. We still anticipate our FAFSA Completion Portal data to be available at the end of March once student records are released to institutions.

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New: FSA ID Attestation & Validation of Identity (for those without a SSN that could not answer the knowledge-based questions) Now Available in Spanish

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New: FSA ID Attestation & Validation of Identity (for those without a SSN that could not answer the knowledge-based questions) Now Available in Spanish

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This form is for those that created an FSA ID but could not answer the knowledge based questions.

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Washington state ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid!

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Washington state ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid!

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Washington Is #1 in NASSGAP Annual Survey | WSAC

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WSAC FAFSA Completion Data Portal will be available in late March due to data delay

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WSAC FAFSA Completion Data Portal will be available in late March due to data delay

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Institutions, state higher ed agencies, and designated scholarship organizations will begin receiving batches of FAFSA information (ISIRs) starting in the first half of March.

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Electronic Announcement ID

2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline

We would like to provide you with an important update regarding the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) process. This Electronic Announcement provides further details regarding aid eligibility and the post-processing experience for students, institutions, state higher education agencies, and scholarship organizations.

Since the form went live on Dec. 30, more than 3.1 million forms have been submitted. The Department continues to work to ensure students and their families have access to a stable and secure form.

As part of our continuing commitment to put students first, we will ensure students and their families receive all the aid they are entitled to receive. To account for inflationary adjustments as required under the law, the Department has updated the supporting tables used in the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation, ensuring that students are benefitting from approximately an additional $1.8 billion in aid. These tables, which directly impact eligibility for need-based federal student aid, detail the allowances against income and assets reported by students and families on their FAFSA form. The revised tables are included in the final Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. In the coming weeks, our teams will be updating the Federal Processing System (FPS) to include the updated tables. Based upon estimations for completing that work, the Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information (ISIRs) to schools and state agencies in the first half of March, which will include the updated SAI tables. We anticipate catching up with the majority of ISIR transmissions to schools in the weeks following the beginning of ISIR delivery.

We anticipate that the 2024-25 FAFSA processing timeline will change as follows.

The Department will continue to assist our external partners through webinars, resources, and updates on the Knowledge Center. We also welcome our partners to continue to submit questions related to the 2024-25 FAFSA launch using the Contact Customer Support form in FSA's Partner Connect Help Center. To submit a question, please enter your name, email address, topic, and question. When submitting a question related to this Electronic Announcement, please select the topic "2024-25 FAFSA."

We will continue to update the "2024-25 FAFSA Updates" page and the key dates noted in this announcement in the 2024-25 FAFSA Roadmap. We encourage our partners to sign up for Knowledge Center Subscription emails to receive the latest news on a daily or weekly basis.

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2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline | Knowledge Center

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Electronic Announcement ID 2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline We would like to provide you with an important update regarding the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) process. This Electronic Announcement provides further details regarding aid eligibility and the post-processing experience for students, institutions, state higher education agencies, and scholarship organizations.

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The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

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The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

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We are an alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities.

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‍We are an immigrant-led nonprofit partnering with educators and community leaders to ensure safe and inclusive schools for undocumented and mixed-status students and families.

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All students regardless of their immigration status have the right to a K-12 education. As educators, it is our responsibility to affirm every student and create welcoming and safe learning spaces where our students thrive. This guide provides recommendations on how educators can use this poster to engage in conversations around immigration with students, best practices educators can implement in the classroom, and immigration and education resources.

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All students regardless of their immigration status have the right to a K-12 education. As educators, it is our responsibility to affirm every student and create welcoming and safe learning spaces where our students thrive. This guide provides recommendations on how educators can use this poster to engage in conversations around immigration with students, best practices educators can implement in the classroom, and immigration and education resources.

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Federal Data Protection for FAFSA: 20 U.S. Code  § 1090 (3) (A) (E)

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Federal Data Protection for FAFSA: 20 U.S. Code  § 1090 (3) (A) (E)

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Amendment of Section

Pub. L. 116-260, div. FF, title VII, §§ 701(b), 702(m)(1), , 134 Stat. 3137, 3168; Pub. L. 117-103, div. R, § 102(a), (b)(4), , 136 Stat. 819, provided that, effective , except as otherwise expressly provided, and applicable with respect to award year 2024-2025 and each subsequent award year, as determined under this chapter, this section is amended to read as follows:

§ 1090. Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(a) Simplified application for Federal student financial aid

(1) In general

Each individual seeking to apply for Federal financial aid under this subchapter for award year 2024-2025 and any subsequent award year shall file a free application with the Secretary, known as the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid", to determine eligibility for such aid, as described in paragraph (2), and in accordance with section 1087ss of this title.

(2) Free application

(A) In general

The Secretary shall make available, for the purposes of paragraph (1), a free application to determine the eligibility of a student for Federal financial aid under this subchapter.

(B) Information required by the applicant

(i) In general

The applicant, and, if necessary, the parents or spouse of the applicant, shall provide the Secretary with the applicable information described in clause (ii) in order to be eligible for Federal financial aid under this subchapter.

(ii) Information to be provided

The information described in this clause is the following:

(I) Name.

(II) Contact information, including address, phone number, email address, or other electronic address.

(III) Social security number.

(IV) Date of birth.

(V) Marital status.

(VI) Citizenship status, including alien registration number, if applicable.

(VII) Sex.

(VIII) Race or ethnicity, using categories developed in consultation with the Bureau of the Census and the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences that, to the greatest extent practicable, separately capture the racial groups specified in the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census.

(IX) State of legal residence and date of residency.

(X) The following information on secondary school completion:

(aa) Name and location of the high school from which the applicant received, or will receive prior to the period of enrollment for which aid is sought, a regular high school diploma;

(bb) name and location of the entity from which the applicant received, or will receive prior to the period of enrollment for which aid is sought, a recognized equivalent of a regular high school diploma; or

(cc) if the applicant completed or will complete prior to the period of enrollment for which aid is sought, a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under State law.

(XI) Name of each institution where the applicant intends to apply for enrollment or continue enrollment.

(XII) Year in school for period of enrollment for which aid is sought, including whether applicant will have finished first bachelor's degree prior to the period of enrollment for which aid is sought.

(XIII) Whether one or both of the applicant's parents attended college.

(XIV) Any required asset information, unless exempt under section 1087ss of this title, in which the applicant shall indicate-

(aa) the annual amount of child support received, if applicable; and

(bb) all required asset information not described in item (aa).

(XV) The number of members of the applicant's family who will also be enrolled in an eligible institution of higher education on at least a half-time basis during the same enrollment period as the applicant.

(XVI) If the applicant meets any of the following designations:

(aa) Is an unaccompanied homeless youth, or is unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting.

(bb) Is an emancipated minor.

(cc) Is in legal guardianship.

(dd) Has been a dependent ward of the court at any time since the applicant turned 13.

(ee) Has been in foster care at any time since the applicant turned 13.

(ff) Both parents have died since the applicant turned 13.

(gg) Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or is serving (on the date of the application) on active duty in the Armed Forces for other than training purposes.

(hh) Is under the age of 24 and has a dependent child or relative.

(ii) Does not have access to parental information due to an unusual circumstance described in section 1087vv(d)(9) of this title.

(XVII) If the applicant receives or has received any of the following means-tested Federal benefits within the last two years:

(aa) The supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.).

(bb) The supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), a nutrition assistance program carried out under section 19 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2028), or a supplemental nutrition assistance program carried out under section 1841(c) of title 48.

(cc) The free and reduced price school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).

(dd) The program of block grants for States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

(ee) The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 1786 of title 42.

(ff) The Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

(gg) Federal housing assistance programs, including tenant-based assistance under section 1437f(o) of title 42, and public housing, as defined in section 1437a(b)(1) of title 42.

(hh) Refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan under section 36B of title 26.

(ii) The Earned Income Tax Credit under section 32 of title 26.

(jj) Any other means-tested program determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.

(XVIII) If the applicant, or, if necessary, the parents or spouse of the applicant, reported receiving tax exempt payments from an individual retirement plan (as defined in section 7701 of title 26) distribution or from pensions or annuities on a Federal tax return, information as to how much of the individual retirement plan distribution or pension or annuity disbursement was a qualified rollover.

(XIX) If the applicant, or, if necessary, the parents or spouse of the applicant, reported receiving foreign income that is exempt from Federal taxation or for which a permanent resident of the United States or United States citizen receives a foreign tax credit, information regarding the amount of such foreign income.

(XX) If the applicant, or, if applicable, the parents or spouse of the applicant, elects to report receiving college grant and scholarship aid included in gross income on a Federal tax return described in section 1087vv(e)(2) of this title, information regarding the amount of such aid

(iii) Prohibition against requesting information more than once

Any information requested during the process of creating an account for completing the free application under this subsection, shall, to the fullest extent possible, not be required a second time for the same award year, or in a duplicative manner, when completing such free application except in the case of an unusual situation, such as a temporary inability to access an account for completing such free application.

(iv) Change in family size

The Secretary shall provide a process by which an applicant shall confirm the accuracy of family size or update the family size with respect to such applicant for purposes of determining the need of such applicant for financial assistance under this subchapter based on a change in family size from the tax year data used for such determination.

(v) Single question for homeless status

The Secretary shall ensure that-

(I) on the form developed under this section for which the information is applicable, there is a single, easily understood screening question to identify an applicant who is an unaccompanied homeless youth or is unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting; and

(II) such question is distinct from those relating to an individual who does not have access to parental income due to an unusual circumstance.

(vi) Adjustments

The Secretary shall disclose on the FAFSA that the student may, on a case-by-case basis, qualify for an adjustment under section 1087tt of this title to the cost of attendance or the values of the data items required to calculate the student's eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant or the student aid index for the student or parent.

(C) Notification and approval of request for tax return information

The Secretary shall notify students and borrowers who wish to submit an application for Federal student financial aid under this subchapter (as well as parents and spouses who must sign such an application or request or a Master Promissory Note on behalf of those students and borrowers) of the authority of the Secretary to require that such persons affirmatively approve that the Internal Revenue Service disclose their tax return information as described in section 1098h of this title.

(D) Authorizations available to the applicant

(i) Authorization to disclose FAFSA information, including a redisclosure of tax return information, to institution, State higher education agency, and designated scholarship organizations

An applicant and, if necessary, the parents or spouse of the applicant shall provide the Secretary with authorization to disclose to an institution, State higher education agency, and scholarship organizations (designated (prior to ) by the Secretary under subsection (a)(3)(E)) as in effect on such date, as specified by the applicant and in accordance with section 1098h of this title, in order for the applicant's eligibility for Federal financial aid programs, State financial aid programs, institutional financial aid programs, and scholarship programs at scholarship organizations (designated (prior to ) by the Secretary under subsection (a)(3)(E)) as in effect on such date, to be determined, the following:

(I) Information described under section 6103(l)(13) of title 26.

(II) All information provided by the applicant on the application described by this subsection to determine the applicant's eligibility for Federal financial aid under this subchapter and for the application, award, and administration of such Federal financial aid, except the name of an institution to which an applicant selects to redisclose information shall not be disclosed to any other institution.

(ii) Authorization to disclose to benefits programs

(E) Action by the Secretary

Upon receiving-

(i) an application under this section, the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, perform the necessary functions with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to calculate the applicant's student aid index and scheduled award for a Federal Pell Grant, if applicable, assuming full-time enrollment for an academic year, and note to the applicant the assumptions relationship to the scheduled award; and

(ii) an authorization under subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, disclose the information described under such subparagraph, as specified by the applicant, in order for the applicant's eligibility for Federal, State, or institutional student financial aid programs or means-tested Federal benefit programs to be estimated or determined.

(F) Work study wages

With respect to an applicant who has received income earned from work under part C of this subchapter, the Secretary shall take the steps necessary to collect information on the amount of such income for the purposes of calculating such applicant's student aid index and scheduled award for a Federal Pell Grant, if applicable, without adding additional questions to the FAFSA, including by collecting such information from institutions of higher education participating in work-study programs under part C of this subchapter.

(3) Information to be supplied by the Secretary of Education

(A) In general

Upon receiving and timely processing a free application that contains the information described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide to the applicant the following information based on full-time attendance for an academic year:

(i) The estimated dollar amount of a Federal Pell Grant scheduled award for which the applicant is eligible for such award year.

(ii) Information on other types of Federal financial aid for which the applicant may be eligible (including situations in which the applicant could qualify for 150 percent of a scheduled Federal Pell Grant award and loans made under this subchapter) and how the applicant can find additional information regarding such aid.

(iii) Consumer-tested information regarding each institution selected by the applicant in accordance with paragraph (2)(B)(ii)(XI), which may include the following:

(I) The following information, as collected through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System or a successor Federal data system as designated by the Secretary:

(aa) Net price by the income categories, as described under section 1015a(i)(6) of this title, and disaggregated by undergraduate and graduate programs, as applicable.

(bb) Graduation rate.

(cc) Retention rate.

(dd) Transfer rate, if available.

(II) Median debt of students upon completion.

(III) Institutional default rate, as calculated under section 1085 of this title.

(iv) If the student is eligible for a student aid index of less than or equal to zero under section 1087mm of this title, a notification of the Federal means-tested benefits that they have not already indicated they receive, but for which they may be eligible, and relevant links and information on how to apply for such benefits.

(v) Information on education tax benefits described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 25A(a) of title 26 or other applicable education tax benefits determined in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(vi) If the individual identified as a veteran, or as serving (on the date of the application) on active duty in the Armed Forces for other than training purposes, information on benefits administered by the Department of Veteran Affairs or Department of Defense, respectively.

(vii) If applicable, the applicant's current outstanding balance of loans under this subchapter.

(B) Information provided to the State

(i) In general

(ii) Use of information

A State agency administering State-based financial aid-

(I) shall use the information provided under clause (i) solely for the application, award, and administration of State-based financial aid for which the applicant is eligible;

(II) may use the information, except for the information described under section 6103(l)(13) of title 26, for State agency research that does not release any individually identifiable information on any applicant to promote college attendance, persistence, and completion;

(III) may use identifying information provided by student applicants on the FAFSA to determine whether or not a graduating secondary student has filed the application in coordination with local educational agencies or secondary schools to encourage students to complete the application; and

(IV) may share the application information, excluding the information described under section 6103(l)(13) of title 26, with any other entity, only if such applicant provides explicit written consent of the applicant, except as provided in subclause (III).

(iii) Limitation on consent process

A State may provide a consent process whereby an applicant may elect to share the information described in clause (i), except for the information described in section 6103(l)(13) of title 26, through explicit written consent to Federal, State, or local government agencies or tribal organizations to assist such applicant in applying for and receiving Federal, State, or local government assistance, or tribal assistance for any component of the applicant's cost of attendance that may include financial assistance or non-monetary assistance.

(iv) Prohibition

Any entity that receives applicant information under clause (iii) shall not sell, share, or otherwise use applicant information other than for the purposes outlined in clause (iii).

(C) Use of information provided to the institution

An institution-

(i) shall use the information provided to it solely for the application, award, and administration of financial aid to the applicant;

(ii) may use the information provided, excluding the information described under section 6013(l)(13) of title 26, for research that does not release any individually identifiable information on any applicant, to promote college attendance, persistence, and completion; and

(iii) shall not share such educational record information with any other entity without the explicit written consent of the applicant.

(D) Prohibition

Any entity that receives applicant information under subparagraph (C)(iii) shall not sell, share, or otherwise use applicant information other than for the purposes outlined in subparagraph (C).

(E) FAFSA information that includes tax return information

An applicant's FAFSA information that includes return or return information as described in section 6103(l)(13) of title 26 may be disclosed or redisclosed (which shall include obtaining, sharing, or discussing such information) only in accordance with the procedures described in section 1098h of this title.

(4) Development of form and information exchange

Prior to the design of the free application under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, on an annual basis-

(A) consult with stakeholders to gather information about innovations and technology available to-

(i) ensure an efficient and effective process;

(ii) mitigate unintended consequences; and

(iii) determine the best practices for outreach to students and families during the transition to the streamlined process for the determination of Federal financial aid and Federal Pell Grant eligibility while reducing the data burden on applicants and families; and

(B) solicit public comments for the format of the free application that provides for adequate time to incorporate feedback prior to development of the application for the succeeding award year.

(5) No additional information requests permitted

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may not require additional information to be submitted by an applicant (or the parents or spouse of an applicant) for Federal financial aid through other requirements or reporting, except as required under a process or procedure exercised in accordance with the authority under section 1087tt of this title.

(6) State-run programs

(A) In general

The Secretary shall conduct outreach to States in order to research the benefits to students of States relying solely on the student aid index, scheduled Pell Grant Award, or the financial data made available, upon authorization by the applicant, as a result of an application for aid under this subsection for determining the eligibility of the applicant for State provided financial aid.

(B) Secretarial review

(i) a list of States that do not require additional financial information separate from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and do not require asset information from students who qualify for the exemption from asset reporting under section 1087ss of this title for the purposes of awarding State scholarships and grant aid;

(ii) a list of States that require asset information from students who qualify for the exemption from asset reporting under section 1087ss of this title for the purposes of awarding State scholarships and grant aid;

(iii) a list of States that have indicated that they require additional financial information separate from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for purposes of awarding State scholarships and grant aid; and

(iv) with the publication of the lists under this subparagraph, information about additional resources available to applicants, including links to such State websites.

(7) Institution-run financial aid

(A) In general

The Secretary shall conduct outreach to institutions of higher education to describe the benefits to students of relying solely on the student aid index, scheduled Pell Grant Award, or the financial data made available, upon authorization for release by the applicant, as a result of an application for aid under this subsection for determining the eligibility of the applicant for institutional financial aid. The Secretary shall make readily available to the public through its websites and other means-

(i) a list of institutions that do not require additional financial information separate from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and do not require asset information from students who qualify for the exemption from asset reporting under section 1087ss of this title for the purpose of awarding institution-run financial aid;

(ii) a list of institutions that require asset information from students who qualify for the exemption from asset reporting under section 1087ss of this title for the purpose of awarding institution-run financial aid;

(iii) a list of institutions that require additional financial information separate from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the purpose of awarding institution-run financial aid; and

(iv) with the publication of the list in clause (iii), information about additional resources available to applicants.

(8) Security of data

The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury-

(A) take all necessary steps to safeguard the data required to be transmitted for the purpose of this section between Federal agencies and to States and institutions of higher education and secure the transmittal of such data;

(B) provide guidance to States and institutions of higher education regarding their obligation to ensure the security of the data provided under this section and section 6103 of title 26; and

(9) Report to Congress

(A) In general

Not later than 1 year after , the Secretary shall report to the authorizing committees on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out this subsection, including planning and stakeholder consultation. Such report shall include-

(i) benchmarks for implementation;

(ii) entities and organizations that the Secretary consulted;

(iii) system requirements for such implementation and how they will be addressed;

(iv) any areas of concern and potential problem issues uncovered that may hamper such implementation; and

(v) solutions determined to address such issues.

(B) Updates

The Secretary shall provide updates to the authorizing committees -

(i) as to the progress and planning described in subparagraph (A) prior to implementation of the revisions to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid under this subsection not less often than quarterly; and

(ii) at least 6 months and 1 year after implementation of the revisions to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(b) Adjustments and improvements

(1) In general

(A) examples of the special circumstances under which a student or family member may qualify for such adjustment or determination of independence; and

(B) additional information regarding the steps a student or family member may take in order to seek an adjustment under section 1087tt of this title.

(2) Consumer testing

(A) In general

Not later than 9 months after , the Secretary shall begin consumer testing the design of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid under this section with prospective first-generation college students, representatives of students (including low-income students, English learners, first-generation college students, adult students, veterans, servicemembers, and prospective students), students' families (including low-income families, families with English learners, families with first-generation college students, and families with prospective students), institutions of higher education, secondary school and postsecondary counselors, and nonprofit consumer groups.

(B) Updates

For award year 2024-2025 and at least each fourth succeeding award year thereafter, the Secretary shall update the design of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid based on additional consumer testing with the populations described in subparagraph (A) in order to improve the usability and accessibility of the application.

(3) Accessibility of the FAFSA

The Secretary shall-

(A) in conjunction with the Bureau of the Census, determine the most common languages spoken by English learner students and their parents in the United States;

(B) develop and make publicly available versions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form in not fewer than 11 of the most common languages determined under subparagraph (A) and make such versions available and accessible to applicants in paper and electronic formats; and

(C) ensure that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available in formats accessible to individuals with disabilities and compliant with the most recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or successor guidelines.

(4) Reapplication in a succeeding academic year

In order to streamline an applicant's experience in applying for financial aid, the Secretary shall allow an applicant who electronically applies for financial assistance under this subchapter for an academic year subsequent to an academic year for which such applicant applied for financial assistance under this subchapter to automatically electronically import all of the applicant's (including parents', guardians', or spouses', as applicable) identifying, demographic, and school data from the previous application and to update such information to reflect any circumstances that have changed.

(5) Technology accessibility

The Secretary shall make the application under this section available through prevalent technology. Such technology shall, at a minimum, enable applicants to-

(A) save data; and

(B) submit the application under this subchapter to the Secretary through such technology.

(6) Verification burden

The Secretary shall-

(A) to the maximum extent practicable, streamline and simplify the process of verification for applicants for Federal financial aid;

(B) in establishing policies and procedures to verify applicants' eligibility for Federal financial aid, consider-

(i) the burden placed on low-income applicants;

(ii) the risk to low-income applicants of failing to complete the application, enroll in college, or complete a postsecondary credential as a result of being selected for verification;

(iii) the effectiveness of the policies and procedures in preventing overpayments; and

(iv) the reasons for the source of any improper payments; and

(C) issue a public report not less often than annually that includes the number and percentage of applicants subject to verification, whether the applicants ultimately received Federal financial aid disbursements, the extent to which the student aid index changed for such applicants as a result of verification, and the extent to which such applicants' eligibility for Federal financial aid under this subchapter changed.

(7) Studies

The Secretary shall periodically conduct studies on-

(A) whether the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a barrier to college enrollment by examining-

(i) the effect of States requiring additional information specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection (a)(6)(B) on the determination of State financial aid awards, including-

(I) how much financial aid awards would change if the additional information were not required; and

(II) the number of students who started but did not finish the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, compared to the baseline year of 2021; and

(ii) the number of students who-

(I) started a Free Application for Federal Student Aid but did not receive financial assistance under this subchapter for the applicable academic year; and

(II) if available, did not enroll in an institution of higher education in the applicable academic year;

(B) the most common barriers faced by applicants in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and

(C) the most common reasons that students and families do not fill out the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid.

(c) Data and information

(1) In general

The Secretary shall publish data in a publicly accessible manner-

(A) annually on the total number of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid submitted by application cycle, disaggregated by demographic characteristics, type of institution or institutions of higher education to which the applicant applied, the applicant's State of legal residence, and high school and public school district;

(B) quarterly on the total number of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid submitted by application cycle, disaggregated by type of institution or institutions of higher education to which the applicant applied, the applicant's State of legal residence, and high school and public school district;

(C) weekly on the total number of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid submitted, disaggregated by high school and public school district; and

(D) annually on the number of individuals who apply for federal financial aid pursuant to this section who indicated that they are-

(i) an unaccompanied homeless youth or unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting; or

(ii) a foster care youth.

(2) Contents

The data described in paragraph (1)(D) with respect to homeless youth shall include, at a minimum, for each application cycle-

(A) the total number of all applicants who were determined to be individuals described in section 1087vv(d)(8) of this title; and

(B) the number of applicants described in subparagraph (A), disaggregated-

(i) by State; and

(ii) by the sources of determination as described in section 1087uu-2(b) of this title.

(3) Data sharing

The Secretary may enter into data sharing agreements with the appropriate Federal or State agencies to conduct outreach regarding, and connect applicants directly with, the means-tested Federal benefit programs described in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii)(XVII) for which the applicants may be eligible.

(d) Ensuring form usability

(1) Signature

(2) Free preparation authorized

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, an applicant may use a preparer for consultative or preparation services for the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid without charging a fee to the applicant if the preparer-

(A) includes, at the time the application is submitted to the Department, the name, address or employer's address, social security number or employer identification number, and organizational affiliation of the preparer on the applicant's form;

(B) is subject to the same penalties as an applicant for purposely giving false or misleading information in the application;

(C) clearly informs each individual upon initial contact, that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a free form that may be completed without professional assistance; and

(D) does not produce, use, or disseminate any other form for the purpose of applying for Federal financial aid other than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid developed by the Secretary under this section.

(3) Charges to students and parents for use of forms prohibited

The need for and eligibility of a student for financial assistance under this subchapter may be determined only by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid developed by the Secretary under this section. Such application shall be produced, distributed, and processed by the Secretary, and no parent or student shall be charged a fee by the Secretary, a contractor, a third-party servicer or private software provider, or any other public or private entity for the collection, processing, or delivery of Federal financial aid through the use of such application. No data collected on a form for which a fee is charged shall be used to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid prescribed under this section, except that a Federal or State income tax form prepared by a paid income tax preparer or preparer service for the primary purpose of filing a Federal or State income tax return may be used to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid prescribed under this section.

(4) Application processing cycle

The Secretary shall enable applicants to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid developed under this section and initiate the processing of such application, not later than January 1 of the applicant's planned year of enrollment, to the maximum extent practicable, on or around October 1 prior to the applicant's planned year of enrollment.

(5) Early estimates

The Secretary shall maintain an electronic method for applicants to enter income and family size information to calculate a non-binding estimate of the applicant's Federal financial aid available under this subchapter and shall place such calculator on a prominent location at the beginning of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(6) Additional forms

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, an institution may not condition the packaging or receipt of Federal financial aid on the completion of additional requests for financial information beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, unless such information is required for verification, a determination of independence, or professional judgement.

See 2020 and 2022 Amendment notes below.

Amendments

2020- Pub. L. 116-260 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to forms and regulations.

2010-Subsec. (e)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 111-152 substituted "based on the Federal Pell Grant amount, determined under section 1070a(b)(2)(A) of this title, for which a student is eligible at the time of application" for "based on the maximum Federal Pell Grant award at the time of application".

2009-Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 111-39, § 407(b)(3)(A), inserted "that" after "except".

Subsec. (e)(8)(A). Pub. L. 111-39, § 407(b)(3)(B), substituted "determine" for "identify".

2008-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(1), added pars. (1) to (12) and struck out former pars. (1) to (7), which related to forms required, charges for forms, distribution of data, contracts for collection and processing, electronic forms, third party servicers and private software providers, and parents' social security numbers and birth dates.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(2), (3), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to streamlined reapplication process.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(4), substituted "or other appropriate provider of technical assistance and information on postsecondary educational services for individuals with disabilities, including the National Technical Assistance Center under section 1140q of this title. The Secretary shall continue to implement, to the extent practicable, a toll-free telephone based system to permit applicants who meet the requirements of subsection (b) or (c) of section 1087ss of this title to submit an application over such system" for "that is authorized under section 1485(d)(2)(C) of this title ".

Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).

Pub. L. 110-315, § 103(b)(10), substituted "authorizing committees" for "Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(5), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(2), (5), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any financial aid application required to be made under this subchapter shall include the name, signature, address or employer's address, social security number or employer identification number, and organizational affiliation of the preparer of such financial aid application."

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 110-315, § 483(a)(5), added subsecs. (f) to (h).

1998-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(a)(1), substituted "form development" for "form" in heading.

Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(a)(2)(C), substituted "The Secretary shall include on the form developed under this subsection such data items as the Secretary determines are appropriate for inclusion. Such items shall be selected in consultation with States to assist in the awarding of State financial assistance. In no case shall the number of such data items be less than the number included on the form on ." for "The Secretary may include on the form developed pursuant to this paragraph not more than eight nonfinancial data items selected in consultation with the States to assist the States in awarding State student financial assistance."

Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(a)(2)(A), (B), substituted "A through D" for "A, C, and D" and struck out "and to determine the need of a student for the purpose of part B of this subchapter" after "part A of this subchapter)".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(a)(3), substituted "A through D" for "A, C, and D" in two places and struck out "and the need of a student for the purpose of part B of this subchapter," before "may only be determined" and "or have the student's need established for the purpose of part B of this subchapter" before ", except by use of".

Subsec. (a)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(a)(5), added pars. (5) to (7).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(c), substituted "and the Workforce" for "and Labor".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(d), substituted "section 1485(d)(2)(C)" for "section 1433(c)".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105-244, § 482(e), struck out heading and text of subsec. (f). Text read as follows: "Nothing in section 1544 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 shall relieve processors or institutions of higher education of any or all obligations under this section."

1993-Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(8), made technical amendment to reference to section 1070a(d) of this title to correct reference to corresponding section of original act.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(9), inserted at end "No data collected on a form for which a fee is charged shall be used to complete the form prescribed under paragraph (1)."

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(10), inserted at end "Entities designated by institutions of higher education or States to receive such data shall be subject to all requirements of this section, unless such requirements are waived by the Secretary. "

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(12), redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (d) and (e), respectively.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(12), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(11), substituted "address or employer's address, social security number or employer identification number," for "address, social security number,".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103-208, § 2(h)(12), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f).

1992-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102-325, § 483(a), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which contained pars. (1) to (5) relating to a common financial aid form and processing of financial aid applications.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102-325, § 483(a), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to certifications of capability of systems for determining expected family contributions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102-325, § 483(b)(1), struck out subsec. (d) which related to provision of early notice to students of their potential eligibility for financial aid.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102-325, § 483(b)(2), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "The Secretary shall contract for, or establish, and publicize a toll-free telephone number to provide timely and accurate information to the general public. The information provided shall include specific instructions on completing application forms for assistance under this subchapter."

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102-325, § 483(b)(1), (3), added subsecs. (f) and (g) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to notice of student aid receipt.

1987-Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100-50, § 15(3), (4), inserted in second sentence "or institutions in which the students are enrolled or accepted for enrollment" after "that applicants" and "and on which the applicant shall clearly indicate a choice of lender" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100-50, § 15(5), substituted "not less than 5" for "not less than 3" and inserted sentence at end providing that the Secretary not select new multiple data entry processors until certain examinations and recommendations are made by the Advisory Commission on Student Financial Assistance.

Subsecs. (b) to (f). Pub. L. 100-50, § 15(6), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) to (e) as (c) to (f), respectively.

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20 U.S. Code § 1090 - Forms and regulations

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Amendment of Section Pub. L. 116-260, div. FF, title VII, §§ 701(b), 702(m)(1), , 134 Stat. 3137, 3168; Pub. L. 117-103, div. R, § 102(a), (b)(4), , 136 Stat. 819, provided that, effective , except as otherwise expressly provided, and applicable with respect to award year 2024-2025 and each subsequent award year, as determined under this chapter, this section is amended to read as follows: § 1090.

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Better FAFSA for Mixed-Status Families: Top 10 Things to Know So You Can Prepare

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Better FAFSA for Mixed-Status Families: Top 10 Things to Know So You Can Prepare

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families. Updates & What We Know Slide deck

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families. Updates & What We Know Slide deck

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Better FAFSA for Mixed Status Families.Updates & What We Know

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Recorded Webinar: Better FAFSA For Mixed Status Families: What Educators, Students, and Families Should Know

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Recorded Webinar: Better FAFSA For Mixed Status Families: What Educators, Students, and Families Should Know

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Gain strategies for mixed-status families to successfully navigate the process of completing the 2024-25 Better FAFSA including:

1) Procedures to obtain an FSA ID without a social security number

2) Avoiding potential pitfalls when navigating the better FAFSA 3) Available legal protections for student & parent data

4) Tips on advising students who are citizens with parents who might be undocumented

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Better FAFSA For Mixed Status Families: What Educators, Students, and Families Should Know

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Better FAFSA® Better Future Webinar Series Schedule and Links, January–February 2024

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Better FAFSA® Better Future Webinar Series Schedule and Links, January–February 2024

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These webinars, presented in question-and-answer format, will focus on your questions about the recent launch of the 2024–25 FAFSA form, as you work with students and families. Participants will ask questions by typing them into the chat during the webinar. You do not need to register for these webinars. Participation will be available on a first come, first-served basis and they can accommodate up to 20,000 attendees in each session. A video recording and transcript of the webinar will be available the week following each live session.

You can find more about these FSA Q&A sessions at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2024-01-05/live-internet-webinars-better-fafsa-better-future-webinar-series-january-february-2024

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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! Applications are also still being accepted for 2023-24.
Which WASFA application year should I fill out?

Complete the 2023-24 WASFA application if you are planning on being enrolled in college (as a new student or continuing student) in fall term 2023 through spring term 2024.

Complete the 2024-25 WASFA if you are planning on being enrolled in college in fall term 2024 through spring term 2025.

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

Application Resources

2024-25 WASFA Application Guide - English (word) (PDF)

2024-25 Sample WASFA - English

2023-24 WASFA Application Guide - English (word) (PDF)

2023-24 Sample WASFA - English

Questions? Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council by email at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov, or call 888-535-0747 and select option 2.

Learn more about WASFA

WASFA Privacy Statement

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.

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.

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WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)

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Concerned about privacy? Read the WASFA privacy statement. 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.

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2024–25 FAFSA Application and FSA ID Issue Alerts

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2024–25 FAFSA Application and FSA ID Issue Alerts

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During the soft launch period, Federal Student Aid will monitor site performance, conduct pauses for maintenance, and make updates to improve the user experience for students and families.

Stakeholders should bookmark this page for regular status updates and resources related to the 2024-25 FAFSA launch.

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Description: If a student who is a citizen initially selects "Eligible noncitizen" on the 2024-25 FAFSA form, enters an "A-Number" when prompted, and completes the demographic section, the student is prevented from completing the form even after the student changes the citizenship status response to "U.S. citizen or national".

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New: FSA ID Attestation & Validation of Identity (for those without a SSN that could not answer the knowledge-based questions)

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New: FSA ID Attestation & Validation of Identity (for those without a SSN that could not answer the knowledge-based questions)

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This form is for those that created an FSA ID but could not answer the knowledge based questions.

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The 2024–25 FAFSA Will Undergo a Soft Launch Phase 

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The 2024–25 FAFSA Will Undergo a Soft Launch Phase 

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Federal Student Aid will be treating the period leading up to and following Dec. 31 as a soft launch period, which will allow Them to monitor and respond in real time to any potential issues impacting the applicant experience.

*The soft launch will allow students and families to access the FAFSA form; they will not need to resubmit the form once the soft launch ends.

*After completing the form during the soft launch period, applicants will receive a confirmation email notifying them of their submission date, along with an estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated Pell Grant eligibility.

*The soft launch will include a “waiting room feature” as a means to control web traffic volume and “ensure optimal performance of the form.”

*FSA will not transmit Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) to schools until later in January

*As the soft launch period unfolds, FSA urges institutions, state agencies, and college access partners to direct students and families to StudentAid.gov, which will be updated with the latest guidance.

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Resource - Who is my Parent for Financial Aid Infographic (Spanish)

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Resource - Who is my Parent for Financial Aid Infographic (Spanish)

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This infographic will help you determine who's information you will use in the parent section of the FAFSA or WASFA.

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FSA Will Host a 2024-25 Contributor FAFSA Prep Session on December 14, 2023 from 10-11am Pacific Time

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FSA Will Host a 2024-25 Contributor FAFSA Prep Session on December 14, 2023 from 10-11am Pacific Time

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Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid will host a webinar that provides contributor preparation for the upcoming 2024–25 FAFSA® form.

The session is geared toward students, parents, and college/career access professionals and will provide information on:

•identifying who is a contributor,

•how to create a StudentAid.gov account username and password (FSA ID), and

•the new consent and approval requirement.

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

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The 2024-2025 FAFSA: Helping Homeless and Foster Youth 

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The 2024-2025 FAFSA: Helping Homeless and Foster Youth 

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The highly anticipated 2024-2025 FAFSA is scheduled to be released by December 31, 2023. This FAFSA contains many changes as a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act, including important new policies for homeless and foster youth. Webinar participants will learn how to help homeless and foster youth fill out the new 2024-2025 FAFSA; get tips for working with financial aid offices to support homeless and foster youth; and find out about how ARP-HCY funds can be used to support postsecondary access and transition. There will be ample time for questions and answers.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The 2024-2025 FAFSA: Helping Homeless and Foster Youth. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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The highly anticipated 2024-2025 FAFSA is scheduled to be released by December 31, 2023. This FAFSA contains many changes as a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act, including important new policies for homeless and foster youth. Webinar participants will: • Learn how to help homeless and foster youth fill out the new 2024-2025 FAFSA
• Get tips for working with financial aid offices to support homeless and foster youth
• Find out about how ARP-HCY funds can be used to support postsecondary access and transition. There will be ample time for questions and answers.

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The FAFSA will be released by December 31st.

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The FAFSA will be released by December 31st.

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Although the announcement’s language of “by December 31” implies that the FAFSA could launch sooner, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) recommends that for planning purposes, our member organizations use December 31 as the effective opening date.

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Update on the Simplified, Streamlined, Redesigned 2024-25 FAFSA | Knowledge Center

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Those without an SSN will be able to create an FSA ID when the application is released 

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Those without an SSN will be able to create an FSA ID when the application is released 

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Those without an SSN will need to create an FSA ID when the application is released on 12/31/2023. This powerpoint will walk you through the process.

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How to Create an FSA ID Without an SSN.pptx

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The FAFSA prototype is a web-based design tool that allows users to navigate specific scenarios that many 2024–25 applicants will encounter on the live website.

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StudentAid.gov Account Creation Process for Users Without an SSN

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StudentAid.gov Account Creation Process for Users Without an SSN

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Join FSA for a preview of the new account creation process for users without a Social Security number (SSN), which will be available in December 2023. We will discuss changes to the user experience and provide a walkthrough of the knowledge-based identity verification process with TransUnion. The session will conclude with an opportunity to ask questions. Please note: This webinar is not designed to be a step-by-step guide for students and contributors.

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Live Internet Webinars - Better FAFSA Better Future Webinar Series, June-July 2023 (New Webinar Added for Nov. 2, 2023)

This letter announces 11 upcoming webinars from Federal Student Aid. These live webinars discuss implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the FUTURE Act, and what your school needs to know about upcoming changes for the 2024-25 award year. The webinars in the summer series will be offered in June-July 2023.

Dear Colleague:

Delivering on the commitment outlined in our Better FAFSA Better Future Roadmap, we are pleased to announce the Better FAFSA ® Better Future Webinar Series. This series of live webinars will cover the most recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) and the office of Federal Student Aid on implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the FUTURE Act, and what your school needs to know about upcoming changes for the 2024-25 award year. Participants are encouraged to ask questions by typing them into the chat during the webinar and a live Q&A session follows each presentation.

Federal Student Aid staff will present the 11 webinars in this series in June-July 2023.

You do not need to register for these webinars. Participation will be available on a first come, first-served basis and we can accommodate up to 10,000 attendees in each session. A video recording and transcript of the Q&A portion of the webinar will be available the week following each live session.

Refer to the sections below for more information about each webinar, including instructions to add reminders to your calendar for the sessions that you would like to attend.

All sessions are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Eastern time (ET). There may be a difference between your local time and Eastern time. To determine local time and its Eastern time zone equivalent, go to time.gov.

See below for complete details about each webinar, including the link to join on the day of the event.

To add an iCalendar invitation to your calendar now, to remind you of the webinar details, follow the instructions below:

Locate a webinar in the table and select the iCalendar file to download and save the invitation to your calendar. The invitation includes the webinar link. If Outlook is not your default calendar, you may download the iCalendar (.ics) file and then upload it to your system calendar. The table on the Upcoming Webinars page also includes a link to the webinar.

A PDF handout will be available for download the day before the live webinar in the "Upcoming Webinars" section of the FSA Training Center. Leave behinds, if any, will also be available for download. Once you log in, select the " Upcoming Webinars " icon on the home page and locate the webinar in the table to download the presentation materials.

A video recording and a transcript of the Q&A portion of the webinar will be posted the week following each session. Once you log in to the FSA Training Center, select the " FAFSA® Simplification Training and Resources" icon on the home page to locate the recordings and transcripts.

We look forward to your participation in this webinar series. If you have questions, please contact us at helpdesk.fsatraining@ed.gov.

Sincerely,

Federal Student Aid

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Live Internet Webinars – Better FAFSA Better Future Webinar Series, June–July 2023 (New Webinar Added for Nov. 2, 2023) | Knowledge Center

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New FSA Graphic "Is My Parent a Contributor When I Fill Out My FAFSA"  Is Now Available

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New FSA Graphic "Is My Parent a Contributor When I Fill Out My FAFSA"  Is Now Available

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Federal Student Aid Better FAFSA Parent Email

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Federal Student Aid Better FAFSA Parent Email

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Federal Student Aid will be sending an email out to parents to inform them of the changes to the FASFA. You can check out the email here.

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Dear Parent,

For students who plan to attend college or career/trade school between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® ) processes and system will be getting big updates. This includes a new and improved FAFSA experience for students and families. As a result, the updated FAFSA form will be available in December 2023. We'll reach out to you when the form is available for you to complete and submit.

Stay informed about changes by opting into SMS message alerts, and take steps now to help you prepare to submit your form. Remember, your child needs to complete a FAFSA form every year they are enrolled in school to receive federal student aid.

Updates to the 2024-25 FAFSA® Experience

We're making big changes to the 2024-25 FAFSA® form to create a better experience for students and families. These changes include

*

expanded eligibility for federal student aid,

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a more streamlined application process, and

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a better user experience for the FAFSA form.

We have resources available to help you understand these changes, and additional resources and updated information will be coming soon. Consider registering for our How To Prepare for the 2024-25 FAFSA® Form webinar on Oct. 25, 2023.

What's Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA® Form?

Watch for emails from the U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid to make sure you don't miss important updates.

Opt in to SMS messages by logging into your StudentAid.gov account to receive up-to-date notifications and information.

This email was sent by: Office of Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW,
Washington, DC, 20002, US

Please do not reply to this email. Messages sent to this email address are not monitored. If you wish to contact us, please use the StudentAid.gov contact page. For more information about financial aid, visit StudentAid.gov.

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Federal Student Aid - BETTER FAFSA BETTER FUTURE

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Dear Parent, For students who plan to attend college or career/trade school between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® ) processes and system will be getting big updates. This includes a new and improved FAFSA experience for students and families.

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Watch Our FAFSA Simplification Training Video

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Watch Our FAFSA Simplification Training Video

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The Washington Student Achievement Council

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What You Need to Know: FAFSA Simplification Act

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Key Terms, Definitions, and Systems Related to FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts

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Key Terms, Definitions, and Systems Related to FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts

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The FAFSA changes, which culminate in the upcoming 2024-25 FAFSA processing year, has created new terminology that often replaces older, well-known terms. This announcement lists and defines many of the key terms and systems created or changed under the FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts. Where appropriate, definitions include both the old and the new or updated terminology.

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Electronic Announcement ID

Key Terms, Definitions, and Systems Related to FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts

This announcement details new terminology related to the full implementation of the FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts.

The FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts made significant changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) process, multiple Department of Education (the Department) systems, and various Title IV policies and procedures.

The phased implementation of these changes, which culminate in the upcoming 2024-25 FAFSA processing year, has created new terminology that often replaces older, well-known terms. This announcement lists and defines many of the key terms and systems created or changed under the FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts. Where appropriate, definitions include both the old and the new or updated terminology.

Negative Student Aid Index (Negative SAI): the Student Aid Index (SAI) can be a negative number (down to -1500) which can be used by institutions in determining students who have the most financial need. Note that when packaging a student for Title IV need-based aid, a negative SAI is converted to a 0 SAI in the packaging formula. For more information, see Student Aid Index (SAI) definition below.

Enrollment Intensity: the percentage of full-time enrollment at which a student is enrolled, rounded to the nearest whole percent used to determine a student's annual Pell Grant award. For example, if full-time enrollment is 12 or more credit hours and the student is enrolled in 7 hours, the enrollment intensity would be (7 ÷ 12) × 100% = 58%.

Student Aid Index Calculated Pell Grant Eligibility: maximum Pell Grant minus the Student Aid Index rounded to the nearest $5 (not to exceed COA). For applicants with a calculated SAI that is greater than the corresponding award year's maximum Pell Grant award or the calculated Pell Grant amount is less than the award year's minimum Pell Grant, the applicant is not eligible for a Pell Grant unless they qualify for a minimum Pell Grant award.

The Department has provided or will be providing more information, policies, and procedures related to the new terms and systems listed above through a variety of communication methods including the FSA Handbook, Dear Colleague Letters, Electronic Announcements, and System Technical References. Key resources include:

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Key Terms, Definitions, and Systems Related to FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts | Knowledge Center

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Electronic Announcement ID Key Terms, Definitions, and Systems Related to FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts This announcement details new terminology related to the full implementation of the FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts. The FAFSA Simplification and FUTURE Acts made significant changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) process, multiple Department of Education (the Department) systems, and various Title IV policies and procedures.

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The purpose of the 2024–25 FAFSA preview presentation is to provide financial aid administrators, mentors, and counselors with reference tools for staff trainings and financial aid nights.

This year the FAFSA preview presentation will be released in two phases.

The first phase includes a presentation demonstrating the following:

four flows which illustrate both dependent and independent student scenarios;

one flow for a dependent student who has unusual circumstances;

one flow for a provisionally independent student; and

the FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly SAR)

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To assist the community with planning and communicating changes to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) form, we are pleased to provide the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the 2024-25 online FAFSA form.

The purpose of the 2024-25 FAFSA preview presentation is to provide financial aid administrators, mentors, and counselors with reference tools for staff trainings and financial aid nights.

This year the FAFSA preview presentation will be released in two phases.

The first phase includes a presentation demonstrating the following:

The second phase, scheduled to be delivered later this year, will include any updates to material from the first phase as well as new screenshots of My Activity and Corrections. These updates may include any text changes resulting from the FAFSA public comment period and replacement of placeholder screenshots. Federal Student Aid will continue to inform the community each time an updated presentation is released.

Finally, please keep in mind that this presentation is large, and may take time to open or download on your computer.

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2024-25 FAFSA Form Preview Presentation | Knowledge Center

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To assist the community with planning and communicating changes to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) form, we are pleased to provide the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the 2024-25 online FAFSA form.

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Big changes are coming this fall for 2024-25 financial aid applications! In this session, we will discuss the FAFSA Simplification Act, best practices in implementing changes, and how to communicate changes to partners, students, and their families. We will also share free resources to support you as you help students take their next steps.

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Aim Higher Washington Trainings and Strategy Sessions

These trainings and strategy sessions will be offered in partnership with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Council of Presidents (COP), and Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW). These trainings will cover content-based areas such as financial aid basics and financial aid application navigation. A series of strategy sessions to support implementation of what is learned in the content-based trainings will also be offered. Our workshops were created for:

K-12 staff such as school counselors, career counselors/specialists, administrators, and teachers.

Any college staff who work with students such as student services, admissions and outreach, advisors, residence life, financial aid staff, and more.

Community-based organization staff.

Anyone who wants to learn about and teach their community about financial aid!

Content-based trainings

These sessions are designed to address knowledge gaps and promote a better understanding of the financial aid process.

Financial aid basics

Financial aid basics

In this session, participants will learn the basics of financial aid. We will cover federal and state aid programs including grants, scholarships, work study and loans. We will also discuss when and where to apply for financial aid. Participants will leave with a better understanding of postsecondary funding. This session will prepare participants to help with basic financial aid questions. High school clock hours will be available.

Register - September 29 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Financial aid navigation

Financial aid navigation

In this session, participants will learn about the financial aid process and how to help others navigate applying for financial aid. We will cover how to apply for postsecondary funding with the FAFSA and the WASFA. We will also discuss common challenges and errors as well as next steps. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to help others with this important process. This sessions will prepare participants to assist students as they apply for financial aid and train others. High school clock hours will be available.

Register - October 6 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

FAFSA Simplification

FAFSA Simplification

Big changes are coming this fall for 2024-25 financial aid applications! In this session, we will discuss the FAFSA Simplification Act, best practices in implementing changes, and how to communicate changes to partners, students, and their families. We will also share free resources to support you as you help students take their next steps.

Register - August 3 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Partner Trainings

Partner Trainings

Strategy sessions

These sessions will aid participants in developing strategic efforts to support specific populations with financial aid completion. Each session will feature best practices and will include individual and group planning time.

Supporting high school students

Supporting high school students

2022 information pending.

Supporting current college students

Supporting current college students

2022 information pending.

Supporting returning adults

Supporting returning adults

2022 information pending.

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These trainings and strategy sessions will be offered in partnership with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Council of Presidents (COP), and Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW). These trainings will cover content-based areas such as financial aid basics and financial aid application navigation.

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This activity will help your students prepare to apply for financial aid by learning more about the types of financial aid, where it comes from, and how to apply.

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FAAD Lesson Plan - Financial Aid 101.pdf

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Financial Aid Advising Month Sample Schedule

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Financial Aid Advising Month Sample Schedule

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If you have weekly advisory or homeroom, this schedule might work better that the FAAD Week schedule.

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FA Advising Month Sample Schedule with Links.pdf

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You can order free postcards, stickers, and workbooks through the 12th Year Campaign to support your work.

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We've detected that Javascript is not enabled. It is required for an optimal survey taking experience.
Please check your browser's settings and make sure Javascript is turned on. Learn how to enable Javascript.

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We've detected that Javascript is not enabled. It is required for an optimal survey taking experience. Please check your browser's settings and make sure Javascript is turned on. Learn how to enable Javascript.

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Creating an FSA ID or WASFA Account Lesson Plan 

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Creating an FSA ID or WASFA Account Lesson Plan 

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This activity will help your
students prepare to apply for
financial aid by creating their FSA
ID or WASFA account. All the resources to complete this activity are linked in the plan.

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FAAD Lesson Plan - FSA IDWASFA Account Creation.pdf

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Tools and Resources to Help You Prepare for the Better FAFSA 

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https://www.ncan.org/page/better-FAFSA

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Tips for Engaging Parents in FAFSA Completion

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Tips for Engaging Parents in FAFSA Completion

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Tips for Engaging Parents in FAFSA Completion - National College Attainment Network

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Would you like to know each time we add an announcement to the site? Subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking on the orange and white icon below. (Using Chrome? You may want to install the RSS Feed Reader for easier viewing of the feed.)
FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers
FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) simplification implements provisions of the amended Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act (FUTURE Act) and the FAFSA Simplification Act. At a high level, FAFSA simplification changes include the first major redesign of the FAFSA system in over 40 years.

FAFSA simplification will be implemented in phases, with full implementation of major provisions in the 2024-25 Award Year.

The changes will provide

a more streamlined application process,

expanded eligibility for federal financial aid,

reduced barriers for certain student populations, and

a better user experience for the FAFSA form.

We'll update this page regularly with resources about FAFSA simplification. We encourage you to use these resources to communicate with applicants and families about what to anticipate and how they navigate these changes.

Note: These resources are for your use in your messaging. Please do not point students, parents, or borrowers to this website for financial aid information. Instead, send them to StudentAid.gov

Resources for Reference and Outreach

Below you'll find up-to-date resources about FAFSA ® simplification.

FAFSA Simplification Fact Sheet: Highlights the key information you need to know to help prepare students and parents for changes to the FAFSA form and process.

Additional FAFSA Simplification Fact Sheets: Provide an overview of specific elements of the FAFSA simplification implementation

Better FAFSA® Better Future FAQs for external partners (schools, counselors, community-based organizations): Provides information on FAFSA simplification and the Better FAFSA Better Future communications campaign for external FSA stakeholders.

Better FAFSA® Better Future Infographic for external partners (schools, counselors, community-based organizations): Focuses on the impact of FAFSA simplification and outline the implementation timeline.

Better FAFSA® Better Future Overview video: Highlights FAFSA simplification benefits to applicants while focusing on the role that counselors, college access professionals, and mentors play in students' success.

*The Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create an accessible version. If you need access to this content before the accessible version is available, please contact the Information Technology Accessibility Program Help Desk at ITAPSupport@ed.gov to help facilitate.

Federal Student Aid Resources

Learn about federal student aid on our other websites.

FSA Partner Emails: Subscribe to external partner email communications from Federal Student Aid.

FSA Training Center: Training courses and on-demand training videos for financial aid professionals.

Knowledge Center: Policy guidance, training, announcements, and links to other Federal Student Aid websites geared toward financial aid professionals.

Customer Service Center: Listing of FSA service centers to further assist students, parents, and borrowers.

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FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers

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Browse informational and outreach tools designed to help navigate FAFSA ® simplification.

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WSOS prepares Washington students to meet our state's workforce shortages by reducing barriers to education and training in high-demand trade, health care or STEM fields. WSOS supports students with flexible financial aid funding and student support services such as mentorship, professional development and networking. We help students achieve success from their first day on campus to the launch of their professional career in Washington state.

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Home - Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

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We champion Washington students for Washington jobs. (WSOS) was created in 2011 to address unfilled seats in the high-demand sectors that drive our economy.

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NCAN's Top 10 Changes Coming to the 24-25 FAFSA

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NCAN's Top 10 Changes Coming to the 24-25 FAFSA

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NCAN's top 10 list of changes coming to the FAFSA’s questions and processes that also warrant our attention and planning discussions.

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Resource: Use This WASFA Account Creation Worksheet to Help Students Take Their First Step

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Resource: Use This WASFA Account Creation Worksheet to Help Students Take Their First Step

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Resource: Use This FSA ID Worksheet to Help Students and Parents Create Their FSA ID

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Resource: Use This FSA ID Worksheet to Help Students and Parents Create Their FSA ID

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Frequently Asked Questions: This Federal Student Aid document provides information on FAFSA simplification and the Better FAFSA Better Future communications campaign for external FSA stakeholders.

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On Dec. 27, 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act. This act will offer a major redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal financial aid.  These changes will start with the 2024-2025 award year.

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Washington Financial Aid for Education and Training Videos

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Washington Financial Aid for Education and Training Videos

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A series of 5 short videos about Washington College Grant in 7 languages.

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Washington Financial Aid for Education and Training (English)

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These videos are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese! Find links and more resources here: https://wsac.wa.gov/fa...

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Washington Financial Aid for Education and Training Videos

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Washington Financial Aid for Education and Training Videos

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A series of 5 short videos about Washington College Grant in 7 languages.

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The Washington Student Achievement Council

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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PSCCN  South King County & Pierce County Focused Resources

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PSCCN  South King County & Pierce County Focused Resources

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PSCCN works with educators, students and leadership to identify and address gaps in student-facing materials regarding access and succeed in postsecondary education. PSCCN works with partners to create regional tools and resources that are relevant to students and families and are easy to utilize in schools.

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Resources - Puget Sound College and Career Network

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This student focused video covers the basics of financial aid.

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2025-26 FAFSA Guide | How to Complete the New FAFSA Questions

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A Step-By-Step Guide To Completing The 2025-2026 FAFSA 

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A Step-By-Step Guide To Completing The 2025-2026 FAFSA 

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The 2024-25 FAFSA® is getting a major makeover

Great news! The FAFSA® will be simpler and shorter, with way fewer questions to answer. You can even have your tax return info imported right from the IRS, saving you even more time.

There's also an important date change:

The FAFSA® 2024-25 application open has been delayed from October 1 to December 2023. After the 2024-25 application, the FAFSA® will go back to opening on October 1.

Some college money is awarded first-come, first-served, so be sure to file the FAFSA® as soon as it opens in December! See all FAFSA® deadlines on studentaid.gov.

Read our blog post for more details on the 2024-25 FAFSA® changes.

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2024-25 FAFSA Guide | How to Complete the New FAFSA Questions

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Navigate the 2024-25 FAFSA with our FAFSA guide. Learn how to best answer each question, stay updated on important changes, and maximize your financial aid.

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Some schools will require you to complete an additional financial aid application called the CSS Profile. Learn more about it here.

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Need help completing your CSS Profile? Watch our quick overview to navigate the process and check out our other resources, like the Frequently Asked Questions, to find more information.

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Need help completing your CSS Profile? Watch our quick overview to navigate the process and check out our other resources, like the Frequently Asked Questions, to find more information.

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These Kahoot! quizzes accompany the student support modules found at https://wsac.wa.gov/12th-year-campaign

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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WSAC Financial Aid Social Media Graphics

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WSAC Financial Aid Social Media Graphics

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Ready made social media graphics to share on your social media channels.

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Washington College Grant Messaging Slideshow

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Washington College Grant Messaging Slideshow

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Use our WCG messaging slideshow on your hallway monitors and cafeteria screens, and in career centers. Or print out the slides for display on bulletin boards or in classrooms.

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This toolkit contains a host of resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process.

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This toolkit contains a host of resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process. The full list of toolkit resources and related websites can be found in the tabs below, and can also be accessed directly via Google Drive.

The toolkit has many potential uses-here are some quick ideas:

New! Share the WCG Informational Videos with students and families in your school or community. Available in seven languages.

Print out Washington College Grant handouts or flyers as takeaways for your students, families, or customers. Several translations are available.

Use our WCG messaging slideshow on your hallway monitors and cafeteria screens, and in career centers. Or print out the slides for display on bulletin boards or in classrooms.

Share our website resources in your newsletters and emails.

Promote the ready-made social media images on your social media channels.

Please let us know if there is additional information you would like to see added to the toolkit. You can reach us at counciltools@wsac.wa.gov.

Toolkit Resources

Toolkit Resources

Messaging Slideshow: We designed these high-level messages to accomplish three things:

Draw attention.

Quickly highlight a potential value to the audience.

Direct the audience to resources to take the next step. We have compiled these messages into a slide deck titled "Think You Can't Afford College or Career Education?" The slides are a potential resource for career centers, classrooms, worksource centers, libraries, and more. They also could be used as social media images. The messages are intended to pique viewers' interest in continued education and make them question false assumptions around financial aid accessibility and college and career education affordability.

Handouts & Flyers: Includes the following:

Washington College Grant print-friendly flyer - gives an overview of the new Washington College Grant and a link to get more information. Available in several languages.

Ask Otterbot half-page handout - helps College Bound Scholarship students sign-up for financial aid texting assistance from WSAC.

5 Financial Aid Myths handout - designed to dispel common myths related to financial aid. Available in several languages.

College Bound Scholarship Myths & Facts handout - designed to dispel common myths related to the College Bound Scholarship. Available in several languages.

WASFA promotional flyer - promotes Washington's state financial aid application for undocumented individuals and others. Available in English and Spanish.

What about College Bound? - print-friendly handout - explains how CBS and WCG work together to give students opportunities.

Social media images:

This toolkit contains several ready-made social media images for FAFSA, WASFA, and WCG promotion. Follow @WSACouncil for access to more social media messages for redistribution.

Website Resources

Website Resources

You will find helpful resources and information for the following programs on our websites:
Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. The grant gives more money to more people for more kinds of education and training beyond high school. Funding is guaranteed for eligible students. The guarantee of financial aid can help reduce the affordability barriers that currently prevent students from pursuing college and career education.
WCG Informational Videos

WSAC worked with the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) to develop videos to increase students' awareness of state financial aid and postsecondary education opportunities. These videos are free for counselors and advocates to share with students and families. Available in multiple languages: English | Spanish | Chinese | Russian | Somali | Tagalog | Vietnamese
FAFSA Completion Dashboard

Updated weekly, the dashboard provides public-facing, aggregate district- and state-level comparison data for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unfortunately, Washington's past FAFSA completion rates have been low.
Plan Your Future

The Plan Your Future page provides information on career exploration, applying to colleges, state financial aid programs, and more for high school juniors and seniors.
How to Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward an affordable degree or credential. This is especially true for students from low- and middle-income families. If students don't apply for financial aid, they can't get scholarships, grants, or loans from schools or state and federal financial aid programs. This web page provides information on both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
College Bound Scholarship

The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the scholarship pledge. Visitors to the site can find information on College Bound eligibility and access. Counselors will also find a host of resources to help parents and students understand and access the program.
12th Year Campaign

The 12th Year Campaign boosts college and financial aid application rates in Washington by helping those working with high school seniors and their families complete applications for college admissions and financial aid. The web page contains information and resources designed to help schools and partners host a successful financial aid advising day. The 12th Year Campaign is also hosting virtual financial aid info and filing events.

Otterbot is a free texting service created to support high school seniors who have signed up for the College Bound Scholarship. Otter sends financial aid info and reminders to College Bound seniors
Passport to Careers

The Passport to Careers program helps students who have experienced foster care or unaccompanied homelessness to prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.

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This toolkit contains a host of resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process. The full list of toolkit resources and related websites can be found in the tabs below, and can also be accessed directly via Google Drive. The toolkit has many potential uses-here are some quick ideas: New!

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You can use this template to create a social media graphic template to promote your event.

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FAFSA Training Offered by Federal Student Aid

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FAFSA Training Offered by Federal Student Aid

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Find online or in-person Federal Student Aid trainings to get you the skills you need to help your students.

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Federal Student Aid Financial Aid Toolkit 

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Federal Student Aid Financial Aid Toolkit 

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The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and other advisors.

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Home | Federal Student Aid - Financial Aid Toolkit

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Help students and parents prepare for college or career school. The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and other advisors.

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Sample Financial Aid Advising Week Schedule Graphic

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Sample Financial Aid Advising Week Schedule Graphic

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If you have more time to implement Financial Aid Advising Day activities. Here is a sample agenda for a Financial Aid Advising Week.

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FA Advising Week Sample Schedule (6).pdf

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Financial Aid Advising Days Planning Session

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Financial Aid Advising Days Planning Session

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Financial Aid Advising Days are coming soon, and the 12th Year Team is here to help. Don't know where to start? Just make an appointment to talk with a 12th Year Campaign team member about planning your year.

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Welcome to the 12th Year Campaign financial aid assistance scheduling page. Please follow the instructions to add an appointment to my calendar.

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Financial Aid Advising Days:  Strategies and Resources OSPI-WSAC Webinar  September 15, 2021

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Financial Aid Advising Days:  Strategies and Resources OSPI-WSAC Webinar  September 15, 2021

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The Washington Council for High School-College Relations (WCHSCR) 2021-22 Higher Education Handbook

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The Washington Council for High School-College Relations (WCHSCR) 2021-22 Higher Education Handbook

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WSAC Portal - FAFSA Completion Initiative

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Find answers to our most frequently asked questions in our FAQ.

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College Bound Participating Institutions 

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College Bound Participating Institutions 

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You have options

Colleges and Career Schools

The colleges and universities listed in the tabs below participate in the following state financial aid programs:

Eligible students must attend a participating school to receive state aid for campus-based education or training.

Public Four-Year Colleges & Universities

Independent/Private Four-Year Nonprofit

Private Four-Year For Profit

Community & Technical Colleges

Tribal Colleges

Private Two-Year Career Colleges Nonprofit

Private Two-Year Career Colleges For Profit

Apprenticeships

Approved non-campus-based apprenticeship programs may also qualify for WA Grant and Passport to Careers. Check with the program sponsor for more information about financial aid for apprenticeships.

Related Resources
Images, clockwise from top left: Washington State University, Northwest Indian College, Cornish College of the Arts, the Evergreen State College

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State Financial Aid - Participating Institutions

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The colleges and universities listed in the tabs below participate in the following state financial aid programs: Eligible students must attend a participating school to receive state aid for campus-based education or training. Approved non-campus-based apprenticeship programs may also qualify for WA Grant and Passport to Careers.

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Accessing the College Bound Scholarship Flyer - Spanish

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Accessing the College Bound Scholarship Flyer - Spanish