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FAFSA & WASFA Information

FAFSA & WASFA Information

Applications Open Dec. 1

Students and Parents can take their first step to filing a FASFA by creating their FSA ID. The 12th Year Campaign will be hosting virtual financial aid nights where students and parents can receive support creating their FSA ID. These free events will be held in English and Spanish and are open to all students.

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 
  • 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. The 2025-26 FAFSA form.

  • 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 Jan. 7, 2025