College Financial Aid Information & Resources

FAFSA & WASFA Announcement

BIG changes are coming to the 2024-25 Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) application including when you can apply. The FAFSA form will not open until December. The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) will also be delayed until the FAFSA opens.

This delay is due to some positive changes in the financial aid application process including a shorter less complex form, more students being eligible for Pell Grants, and larger Pell awards. More on financial aid information is available on the Wa Student Achievement Council site.

What is College Financial Aid?

Financial aid is money to help pay for college.  It can include grants, scholarships, work study, and loans to help cover college expenses.

• Grants: Gift aid usually based on financial need and in most cases do not need to be repaid.
• Scholarships: Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. 
• Loans: Money that can be borrowed for educational expenses and is repaid over time (with interest added in most cases)
• Work Study:  A financial aid program (federal or state) that allows a student to work on-campus or with approved off campus employers to earn money to pay for college expenses.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is the first step in accessing college financial aid.  The FAFSA and WASFA open every year on October 1st.  Students only complete one application – either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

• The FAFSA is the application that citizens and eligible non-citizens (e.g. permanent resident/green card, conditional permanent resident, refugee) complete to access financial aid.  It is free.
• The WASFA is the application undocumented non-citizens complete to access financial aid.  It is free.
• Not sure which application to complete? WASFA questionnaire
• Some colleges and universities will require additional financial aid forms to access aid.  One of the most common forms is the CSS Profile

How can I get help with completing financial aid forms?

• Virtual Financial aid filing events to assist students and parents/guardians with completing financial aid forms will be offered throughout the fall. Visit the WSAC website and scroll down to the “Statewide virtual student and parent events” section to view the calendar
• BHS Financial Aid Night will be held Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m.  The event will not be recorded.
• Seattle Promise will also run free, virtual financial aid workshops throughout the school year.  All are welcome, regardless of whether you are doing Seattle Promise. Links will be posted as workshops are scheduled. Join a virtual financial aid workshop

Why complete the FAFSA or WASFA? I don’t think I will qualify for aid.

Completing the FAFSA or WASFA should be the first step in accessing financial aid for EVERY student.

• Most students qualify.
• The FAFSA takes the average student around 30 minutes to fill out and is free.
• The FAFSA isn’t just for people who want or need federal student loans. It’s also used to determine aid you won’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study.
• Individual colleges will use your FAFSA or WASFA to determine your financial aid.  
• Some private scholarships require a FAFSA as part of their application process.

What about private scholarships? How do I find them?

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college. Different scholarships have different application requirements and due dates, but most common deadlines are in winter/spring of Senior year.  Students have the best chances to earn local scholarships because of the smaller applicant pool, though many opportunities are available for local, regional and national awards. 

• BHS/SPS Scholarship Bulletins
• Naviance – log in to your student Naviance account through the Student Portal and search for scholarships
• The Washboard
• Fastweb

What is Seattle Promise? How could it help me pay for college?

Seattle Promise provides 2 years (or up to 90) credits of free tuition at the three Seattle Colleges (North Seattle, Seattle Central, South Seattle) to graduates of a Seattle Public High. To be eligible, students must:

• Complete the Seattle Promise application by February 1
• Submit College Admissions Application to North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College by February 1
• Complete the FAFSA or WASFA by April 30
• View more information at Seattle Promise

Additional Financial Aid Resources

• Financial Aid Calculator
• College Bound Scholarship
• The Washington College Grant
• Otterbot (24/7 Financial Aid Text Support)
• WSAC Financial Aid Toolkit