Financial Aid Basics

A little knowledge can go a long way…

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• High school students consistently report that they want to hear information about postsecondary options directly from the trusted adults in their day to day

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• You are the trusted adults in so many of our students lives.

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It’s important for you to have accurate information to share when students ask you questions.

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So let’s see what you already know!

Knowledge Check

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Or go to

https://ffts.tfaforms.net/f/FAB_KC

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Don’t forget to submit your score!

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Scan the QR Code!

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FAFSA vs. WASFA

• Students must complete one of these applications to qualify for ANY need-based financial aid.
• The correct application is dependent on the student’s citizenship status, NOT on the status of their family members.
• The FAFSA and WASFA are FREE to apply to - unlike many other parts of the college application process

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FAFSA Quick-Facts

• Most students will need to include their parent(s) / guardian(s) financial information on the FAFSA
• Both the student and their parent / guardian need to create their own FSA ID accounts
• Parents/guardians do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to participate in this process
• Sharing financial information on the FAFSA does not mean parents/guardians must pay for college

WAFSA Quick-Facts

• The WASFA unlocks state aid to be used at Washington-based higher education institutions and programs
• Students do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to participate in this process
• There is a questionnaire built into the WASFA website for students to assess if the WASFA is the right application for their situation

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• Washington State has one of the most generous and flexible financial aid packages in the country
• Programs like College Bound and the Washington College Grant ensure that most low- and middle-income families can attend a Washington college for FREE
• Most Pierce County students will qualify for at least some need-based financial aid
• Students should apply EARLY! WA awards aid on a first-come-first-served rolling basis

Washington’s Need-Based Financial Aid

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• Four-year colleges and universities
• Community and technical colleges
• Accredited apprenticeship programs and beauty schools
• Textbooks and living expenses

Where and how can students use financial aid funds?

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How Financial Aid is Calculated

• The FAFSA and WASFA use the provided financial information to determine eligibility for grants (never repaid) and loans (repaid over time).

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• Each college or program sends a unique award letter based on the student's financial situation.

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Final tips and takeaways

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• All students should complete a financial aid application regardless of their first-choice post-secondary plan – because plans change!
• Students should apply EARLY! WA awards aid on a first-come-first-served rolling basis
• The FAFSA and WASFA are FREE to apply to - and so are other scholarship applications!

Thank you for taking the time to brush up on your financial aid knowledge!

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The conversations you have with your students about their next steps are so influential.

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Thank you for being a trusted adult in our students’ lives!��

Knowledge Check

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Now let’s see what you’ve learned!

For help with more complicated questions, direct students to their high schools’ college and career center, financial aid office, or find local help in the CFA Partner Directory!

Scan the QR Code!

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Or visit:

https://ffts.tfaforms.net/f/FAB_KC