In time to do some laundry, watch a few episodes of your favorite show or scroll through TikTok, you can start tapping money for education and training that will change the rest of your life. Now is the time to fill out the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Study after study shows that in order for people to get a well-paying job, they need an education beyond high school — whether that means an industrial certificate, a two-year degree, a four-year degree, training in a skilled trade or an apprenticeship. FAFSA unlocks federal and state financial aid, including non-repayable grants, such as federal Pell Grants and the Washington College Grant.
The Washington College Grant is one of the cheapest financial aid programs in the country. These grants support students at a variety of institutions, including community and technical colleges, public universities and non-profit private colleges and universities. Eligible students from families of four with an annual income of $78,500 or less will pay zero tuition in the 2024-25 school year at public campuses. (For private not-for-profit institutions, WA Grants and other financial aid can work together to make tuition affordable.) A family of four can make up to $120,500 a year and still qualify for some level of aid.
A “family of four” is often used as an example, but individuals and families of all sizes benefit from the WA Grant. In fact, about half of Washington families can apply for financial aid. Undocumented students can apply for a WA Grant by filling out the Washington Application for State Financial Aid. A calculator maintained by the Washington Student Achievement Council provides estimates of potential financial aid awards. (Find it at: st.news/aid)
You may have heard about the Federal Department of Education’s Rocky Rollout of the FAFSA. Correct: Delays and technical issues mean students are waiting longer than usual to hear the news. Many of the initial problems were overcome and colleges and universities began to deal with the backlog of applications.
Colleges and universities are also flexible with enrollment and financial aid deadlines. (For information, contact colleges and universities directly.) Links are available through the State Council for Community and Technical Colleges, the President’s Council, and Washington Independent Colleges. While deadlines may vary by institution, it is always best to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible, regardless of the academic year you are in. The sooner applications are in, the sooner the college or university can start calculating awards.
Sadly, thousands of Washingtonians leave money on the table every year by not filling out the FAFSA. This year, things are worse. According to the National College Attainment Network, only 31.6% of Washington high school seniors had completed the FAFSA by May 17.
The more people who receive education and training with the help of financial aid, the better off we all are. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce estimates that between 2021 and 2031, an average of 436,000 jobs will be created annually in Washington, from new jobs and jobs that open for other reasons. Of all jobs in Washington, 72% will require training beyond high school by 2031, the report said. Filling well-paying jobs with local talent instead of importing workers from other countries will help our families, communities and country prosper.
The Department of Education estimates that it will take most people less than an hour to complete and submit a new FAFSA. That one-hour investment could pay off with a bigger paycheck and more job security in the future. So whether you’re a high school parent, someone with college credits but no degree, a neighbor of a potential student, or an employer looking to nurture talent, completing the FAFSA and spreading the word about its benefits can be life-changing. … including you.
