Main Menu

Explore More

Financial Aid

FAFSA update from financial aid night

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is just that, a free application.  The application opens on October 1st and closes on June 30th 2021.  You should definitely file well before the June 30th final deadline as many colleges will have started granting awards well before then and the federal money available to award will shrink at each college as they start to send out award letters.  Below are step by step directions on how to fill out the FAFSA along with a video that explains and answers many commonly asked questions about how to fill out the FAFSA.

FAFSA Step by Step Instructions:

 https://www.fastweb.com/nfs/fastweb/static/educators-2016/FAFSA_Step_by_Step_2016.pdf

FAFSA Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8nfk5ApcQ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzJFKqsghlY&pbjreload=101

Another good resource is the Sallie Mae site at                                                  https://www.payingforcollegeresource.com/?dtd_cell=SMSCMPSCSOSOOTOTOTHOTHRN010006.  This site has videos explaining financial aid and scholarships and also offers a webinar type meeting you can join on October 8th EST that will cover questions and answers on the best way to fill out the FAFSA.

WASFA

The difference between FAFSA and WASFA is if you are an undocumented student, you fill out the WASFA.

If you are not an undocumented student, you apply to the FAFSA.

 

parents of seniors concerned about financial aid for higher education

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 2019 year when applying for the 2021-2022 college 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. Check the priority date of any potential colleges or specialty schools you are applying to since they each have different deadlines.
  • 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.
  • Parent Step by Step to filling out the FAFSA Form

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

If you are not a senior but would like to understand the financial aid process, please visit: www.finaid.org  or www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/

This site has interactive College Cost Projector, Expected Family Contribution Calculators and Loan Calculators.

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 15th, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 pm. 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 link will be posted as we get closer.

WASFA – This application for financial aid is for DACA or undocumented students. Please visit the readysetgrad.wa.gov website to determine eligibility, and to access the application. Contact Ms. Nyberg 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®

This article may be helpful as you compare and review your financial award letters to see which makes most sense for you.

Additional Resources: