Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step for any student planning for life after high school.
The FAFSA form is used to apply for financial aid for post–high school vocational training, apprenticeship programs, and 2-year, 4-year, or post-graduate degrees. It opens the door to scholarships, grants, work-study programs, student loans, and more.
Every high school senior is encouraged to complete the FAFSA because it’s the only way to determine whether you’re eligible for need-based financial aid, and Washington has one of the best grant programs in the nation. Many colleges also require the FAFSA for merit-based aid, financial aid appeals, scholarship eligibility for student athletes, and access to federal student loans.
Students are encouraged to create a FSA ID at studentaid.gov before attending an event, but school counselors can help with that if needed. Families should bring Social Security numbers, green card numbers or immigration documents, and 2024 tax forms for both parents and the student (if applicable).
FAFSA Help Events
North Central High School: Nov. 13, 7:00 p.m. – Library
Ferris High School: Oct. 22, 6:00–7:30 p.m. – College & Career Center
Lewis & Clark High School: Oct. 30, 6:00–7:30 p.m. – College & Career Center
Shadle Park High School: Oct. 27, 2:30–5:00 p.m. – College & Career Center
Rogers High School: Oct. 15, 5:00–7:00 p.m. – Commons
All families are welcome to attend whichever event fits your schedule. If you can't make the event at your student's school, go ahead and visit another school's event. You can bring your own laptop or use a school device.
Starting October 14, local credit union STCU will also offer free FAFSA assistance by appointment at select branches. Appointments for STCU events can be made at stcu.org/FAFSA.
Completing the FAFSA is a vital step toward college, career training, apprenticeships, and other post-high school opportunities.