Time to Focus on FAFSA and WASFA

With news that the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will be launched by December 31, 2023, students and families should turn their attention to the topic of financial aid for college. To be ready for the FAFSA opening at the end of the month, high school seniors can create their FSA ID for the 2024-25 FAFSA or create their WASFA account, and everyone, including current college students, can review the changes they can expect from the new FAFSA.

College Success Foundation partnered with Everett Community College and the Snohomish STEM Network to develop the following introductory videos in English and Spanish about FAFSA and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Should you fill out the FAFSA or WASFA?

Filling out the FAFSA or WASFA is required by all 2- and 4-year colleges to receive financial aid. Students who are attending college the following year should complete their form each year. Typically, the application opens in October. However this year, the FAFSA and WASFA will open by the end of 2023. Watch here:

In English:

En Español :

After you submit the FAFSA or WASFA, what’s a financial aid award letter?

Your financial aid award letter is a customized cost breakdown highlighting the grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans that the colleges you’ve applied to and the government are offering to you. Pay attention to which colleges can cover more of your expenses and if your budget allows you to attend that college. Watch here:

In English:

En Español :

For more resources and support to navigate financial aid, visit the CSF Financial Aid Hub.