WASHINGTON – Even though Washington State has historically had low financial aid completion rates, with our region ranking among the lowest in the state, the state has some of the most robust student aid programs in the nation.
As the 2025-2026 FAFSA application opened late September, many incoming students have yet to sign up for financial aid that could change their lives.
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is essential for postsecondary education funding.
This aid can come from work-study programs, grants and loans. Some of these aid routes need to be paid back, others do not.
Washington ranks in the bottom five for financial aid applications, despite having major state grants and scholarships available.
Colleen Hall, Columbia Basin College’s Assistant Director for Student Recruitment, emphasized the importance of all students filling out the FAFSA or at least checking if they should.
“If you… do not apply, you’re just agreeing to pay like full sticker price at whatever program or institution you want to go to after high school,” she said.
In addition to the FAFSA, Washington offers the WASFA for students in special situations like the immigration process or unique financial circumstances.
Hall advised students to fill out either the FAFSA or the WASFA, but not both, and only apply for the WASFA when recommended by an academic advisor.
The application process has become more streamlined with FAFSA’s digital transition.
Most tax information can be pulled directly from the IRS plugin, but students must first create a studentaid.gov account.
When filling out the application, students should have certain information on hand, including 2024’s filing status, tax information, household size, federal or state benefits received, the date of Washington State residency and the applying student’s Social Security Number. Additional information, such as the student’s ITIN number, may also be necessary.
Hall stressed the importance of seeking the right help.
“Do not ever pay to receive help on the FAFSA,” she said. “Do not pay to file it. Do not pay to have somebody help you through this process. That is a free application.”
Students can also consult financial aid experts at their college or university.
Links to financial aid offices in the area are below:
Central Washington University–Yakima
Blue Mountain Community College
