A family of four making up to $131,000 may be eligible for grant aid.
Financial aid applications for this year’s graduating seniors are available now!
In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid. You should only complete one application—the FAFSA or the WASFA:
FAFSA: Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to get the most aid available. The FAFSA is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid.
WASFA: The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application only for state financial aid. The WASFA is for people who choose not to file a federal FAFSA application. It can also be used by people who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status, defaulted federal loans, or other issues with federal aid.
Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college or job training. Many families assume they won’t qualify, but there’s more help available than ever before. For 2025-26, a family of four making up to $131,000 can qualify for financial aid in Washington. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply.
Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid on WSAC's Apply page.
Related resources
Schools and education advocates can access financial aid resources and promotional materials in the Financial Aid Toolkit.
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.