Don’t Let Financial Aid Myths Limit Options for the Future

 Think you can’t afford college or training? Financial aid helps many students pay for education beyond high school, and more families in Washington are now eligible. Even if you didn’t qualify before, you might now!

Myth #1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for financial aid. 

Fact: Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify. With Washington College Grant, an eligible student from a family of four making up to around $102,000 per year can receive some money for college or training.

Myth #2: Financial aid only pays for universities. That takes four years—I need to start working now. 

Fact: Financial aid can be used for many types of full-time or part-time education or training, including career and technical schools, community colleges, some apprenticeships, and yes, universities too. You have options!

Myth #3: I can’t apply for financial aid because I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school. 

Fact: You can complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application before applying for college or training. You can make your final choice about whether and where to go later, and you’ll know more about what you can afford.

Applications are now available for fall 2022! Learn more and apply for financial aid on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

Why Apply for College or Training?

 Want More Money and More Options? Get More Education Beyond High School.

Even in uncertain times, you can secure a better future. A college degree, certificate, or other training beyond high school can lead to a good job, higher wages, and more. And financial aid helps make college or training affordable.

Why apply for college or training? Adults with a college degree or certificate:

• Are more likely to enjoy their work.

• Can change careers more easily.

• Are less likely to be unemployed.

• Live longer, healthier lives.

• Earn around $1 million more over their career than high school graduates.

Need to start working sooner than later? Move beyond minimum wage with an apprenticeship or other job training. Even a one-year program at a community college or technical college can increase your future earnings. And in an apprenticeship, you earn while you learn. In many cases, apprentices can get paid to work and use financial aid to cover out-of-pocket costs like tuition, fees, and materials.

Put your passion to work. More education means more job stability and higher earnings. For life.

Learn more and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

FINANCIAL AID: FAFSA for 2022-2023 NOW OPEN

Apply Now for 2022-23 Financial Aid!

A family of four making up to $102,000 may be eligible for aid...

As of October 1, 2021, students can apply for financial aid for the 2022-23 school year. With all the uncertainty caused by COVID, education beyond high school is more important than ever. Applying for financial aid gives you more options for the future.

In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid:

• Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid.
• The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application for state financial aid only. The WASFA is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.

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. This year, a family of four making up to $102,000 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 at wsac.wa.gov/apply.