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FAFSA & WASFA Information

FAFSA & WASFA Information

Beta FAFSA

The FAFSA officially opens on October 1, 2025 but a beta version is available at: studentaid.gov. Even if you know you won’t qualify for federal need based aid the BHS Counselors recommend families fill it out because some schools require it to be considered for any of their merit aid or other school based aid. The Seattle Promise scholarship requires it as well.

Applications

Whether you’re a student, or parent you’ll need to create your own accounts to apply for, receive, and manage your federal student aid. Learn more on the FAFSA & WASFA page. More on financial aid information is available on the Wa Student Achievement Council site.

SPS Information on Financial Aid 

For Seniors interested in college, completing an application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) or Washington State Financial Aid (WASFA) as early as possible is one of the first steps to receiving aid. Families will need to gather documents (Social Security Number, Copy of Tax Returns, W-2’s, Driver’s License Number, and FSA ID (to sign in) before completing the forms.  

Financial Aid Form Includes:  

  • Parents and stepparents are called contributors on the new form 
    • Students and their parent create their own accounts as soon as possible. This process may take 3-5 business days, so plan for extra time.
  • Contributor tax information will be transferred from IRS  
    • Fewer questions are asked about your parents’ financial information. Consent and approval for the transfer of tax information is required to receive federal aid.    
  • The calculation to determine aid eligibility has been reformulated and renamed  
    • The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been reformulated and given a new name, the Student Aid Index (SAI). This calculation determines a student’s eligibility for certain types of aid.   

If you are unsure which to apply for, you can visit the Washington Student Achievement Council website for more information. 

Financial Aid Overview

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.

Ballard HS Counselors Updates

Ballard HS Counselors wanted to share some updates and tips about the FAFSA. 

  • Follow @federalstudentaid on Instagram. They are regularly posting the times in which the FAFSA will be open and other updates and resources to their story.

Commonly Asked for Resources and Links

~ Ballard HS Counselors

WASFA Form

Learn more about the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) on the Wa Student Achievement Council site.

Resources

Final Tips

  • Do not replace FAFSA with WASFA! WASFA is a state aid application for people who are ineligible for federal aid.
  • If you start a financial aid application and don’t finish within 45 days, you will have to start over.
  • Most colleges have priority deadlines. Even if you miss them, still apply for financial aid.

You can get help from colleges, your school counselor, Federal Student Aid, or local/virtual financial aid events! Find more detailed info on the WSAC website.

Seattle Promise Support 

Ballard High School Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist
Jacob Shapiro B.A. (he/him)
Make an Appointment or Drop in the Ballard HS Counseling Center on Tuesdays or Reach Out via Email: jacob.shapior@seattleschools.org Text: 206-661-1290

Schedule an Appointment
Learn About Seattle Promise

As of September 17, 2025