It's time to take the next step in applying for financial aid!
For FAFSA:
After you and a parent complete your FSA ID (fsaid.ed.gov), you will complete the FAFSA itself.
Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For WASFA (certain non-citizen students):
After you've contacted your school counselor and completed the "eligibility questionnaire", you will complete the WASFA itself.
Go to Ready Set Grad
FINANCIAL AID . . .
FAFSA . . .
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application colleges use to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.
To start the FAFSA application process, go to FAFSA
Important FAFSA Information
If you have questions about how to complete your FAFSA or other questions, go to Student Aid - Common Questions. Or call toll-free, 1-800-4-FED-AID. Or ask for assistance from the staff of the financial aid office of the college or university to which the student is applying.
Common FAFSA Mistakes - A helpful guide through some of the tricky pieces of the FAFSA.
WASFA - The Washington Application for State Financial Aid is for students unable to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to immigration status.
To start the WASFA application process, go to Ready Set Grad - WASFA
COLLEGE GOAL WASHINGTON . . .
Students/Families may also attend a free event at many Whatcom County high schools called College Goal Washington so that they can get in-depth help filling out the FAFSA / WASFA and/or be able to ask questions. Click here for a list of College Goal Washington events in the State of Washington.
2023-2024 Financial Aid Night
TBD
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Nooksack Valley High School (Library)
What to Bring to Financial Aid Night/College Goal Washington:
All students over 24 are considered independent. The FAFSA will determine if you are considered dependent or independent. Only dependents need to file parent information.
College Goal Washington Events in Whatcom County:
2023-2024 dates TBD |
Nooksack Valley High School |
2023-2024 dates TBD |
Meridian High School |
2023-2024 dates TBD |
Northwest Indian College |
2023-2024 dates TBD |
Ferndale High School |
2023-2024 dates TBD |
Squalicum High School |
Understanding "Grants vs. Loans"
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.
Use 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: Net Price Calculator