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Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA on the Web is the official site of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). It is important to note that you will use tax information from the 2020 year when applying for the 2022-2023 college year. Download and print this Financial Aid Resource for the 2021-2022 school year.

An FSA ID gives you access to the Federal Student Aid’s online system and will serve as your legal signature.  Both the student and one parent must each have an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA online. Prepare for your profile ahead of time with this worksheet. Visit https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm to get started with your profile.

When should I apply for financial aid?

  • Seniors should complete their FAFSA during their senior year.  The application can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov
  • The application launches on October 1st. The deadline varies for each college. Check the priority date of any potential colleges or specialty schools you are applying to, and submit your application before the first deadline.
  • Create a FSA ID to get started: studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. You can start this early, save, and log in later to proceed with the FAFSA
  • Each senior and one parent must get a secret pin # at www.pin.ed.gov
  • Do not share your pin # with anyone.  You will continue to use the same pin number for every year you apply for financial aid.

If you need assistance call 1-800-4-FED-AID

More resources are available on the Washington Student Achievement Council website at wsac.wa.gov. A financial aid calculator is provided to estimate potential financial aid: https://portal.wsac.wa.gov/a/aid-calculator

This video provides an overview of the types of financial aid you might receive after submitting the FAFSA/WASFA

Gather information first - make the process go smoothly by gathering these items first: 7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out the FAFSA Form. Follow the conversation and view helpful videos on twitter: https://twitter.com/FAFSA. Other financial aid resources are posted on the readysetgrad.wa.gov website.

Financial Aid Night for all three high schools will be held remotely on October 12th from 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is a very informative meeting for senior parents and students.  All other grade levels are welcome to attend and get a head-start on planning for their students’ post-high school education. Detailed information with a zoom link will be posted as we get closer. Check your Schoology folder frequently.

WASFA – This application for financial aid is for DACA or undocumented students. Please visit the wsac.wa.gov/WASFA website to determine eligibility, and to access the application. Contact your school counselor for assistance. 

Sallie Mae has some great tutorials and financial aid resources. This is one to bookmark:
October 1st 1:00 pm EST For Families & Counselors:A Simpler, Faster Way to Complete the FAFSA®

Some schools require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, so it is important to check with the colleges financial aid office directly to view their requirements for applying to financial aid.

Deadline to Apply - Pay attention to the "Priority Deadline" for each college to which you intend to apply. This is when they will give your financial aid application first consideration. Four year WA State colleges tend to have a priority deadline of December to the end of January, but check your college! Two-year colleges range from end of February to mid-March. WA State Public college deadlines; WA State Private college deadlines.

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