Financial Aid
Financial Aid - How to Get Started
FAFSA/WASFA for Class of 2025
For the Senior class of 2025 the FAFSA opened in December 1, 2024. The FAFSA is being updated and simplified so the opening date is delayed for this year only. You will be completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA because you are seeking Financial Aid for the Fall 2025-2026 school year. Parents will need their tax information from 2023.
Website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
You will start by creating an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification).
The website for FSA ID is at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
This info is also in separate modules.
The WASFA (Washington Application for Student Financial Aid) for the Class of 2025 opened December 2024 as well. The WASFA is a Financial Aid application that Washington State residents may be able to use if they do not qualify to complete the FAFSA. Instructions are given on the WASFA website link that is in a module below or https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa
Here are some helpful resources to help you prepare and make a FSA-ID/WAFSA Account:
https://wsac.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-24_12thYear.FSAID_.WASFA_.Worksheet.pdf
Helpful Videos (English and Spanish)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkzKUIvrVASWIf1ml8c9iSZltWUJDANn6
Financial Aid Help Times:
Wed. Dec.4th 5-7:30pm in Library
Wed. Jan. 22nd 4-7:30pm at PCSC (tentative)
Understanding "Grants vs. Loans"
* Federal GRANTS are available for qualifying students attending colleges, including career colleges and universities. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. For Washington residents the WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. Learn more about WA Grant.
* Federal student LOANS allow students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college. They have low interest rates and offer flexible repayment terms, benefits, and options.
* Subsidized loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while you are in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government "subsidizes" (or pays) the interest during these times. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year.
* Unsubsidized loans are federally guaranteed loans that are notbased on financial need. Interest does accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year for dependent and independent students.
Understanding "Expected Family Contribution"
All college students are expected to contribute towards their education costs. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation — and is what’s called your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The FAFSA is the form the U.S. Department of Education requires to determine your EFC. The government conducts a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets, and other family information, which you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will be asked to provide.
Using the Net Price Calculator
All undergraduate colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website. This provides students with an estimated cost to attend college. Here is a link for students to estimate their costs: netpricecalculator.collegeboard.org
Understanding "More About Finacial Aid & College Loans"
Paying for College from the National Center for Student Success
Types of Financial Aid (FLYER) Financial Aid Calendar Go to www.CollegeMapper.com for a FREE Personalized Plan for College Admissions with Videos to Help!