What is financial aid?
Financial aid is funding provided to students and families to help pay for postsecondary educational expenses. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study and loans. Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application.
Who is eligible for aid?
In most causes, students are eligible for some form of aid through the FAFSA or WASFA. If a student is unsure of their eligibility for financial aid due to immigration status, they can take the WASFA questionnaire to determine which application they should complete.
What if I need help filling out the FAFSA/WASFA?
The FAFSA or WASFA needs to be completed by the student and the parents. This online form includes questions about the student’s income and assets plus the parents’ income and assets. If you want to get financial aid for college, you must complete a FAFSA/WASFA. After Oct. 1 of your senior year of high school, you should complete and submit your FAFSA or WASFA.
Visit your counselors to get help with the application process. The earlier you begin the paying for college journey, the better to chance you have to receive the amount of aid you need. Meridian High School hosts a financial aid night in October.
Scholarships and Grants:
College Bound Scholarship: The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who enroll in middle school and meet the pledge requirements. The College Bound Scholarship covers average tuition at public college rates, some fees, and a small book allowance at over 65 colleges, universities, and technical schools in Washington. This page contains information for students, families, counselors, and anyone interested in the College Bound Scholarship.
theWashBoard.org: Looking for scholarships? theWashBoard.org makes it simple. They connect Washington students with Washington scholarship providers for free.
Washington College Grant: Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. Recent high school graduates and working-age adults from many low- and middle-income families can qualify to receive money for college or career training.
Meridian High School New Scholarship List: This spreadsheet is updated frequently with scholarship opportunities.
Resources:
Otterbot: Otterbot is a free texting service created to support high school seniors who have signed up for the College Bound Scholarship. Otter sends financial aid info and reminders to College Bound seniors. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24 hours a day, seven days a week by texting “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281.
Futures NW: Futures NW provides mentorships, personal and academic support, comprehensive financial aid literacy, and college/training/career advising to succeed in college and beyond. Additionally, you can find personalized support by booking an appointment with the Washington Student Achievement Council’s 12th year campaign or uAspire. Both are free! Get one-on-one support (scholarships, college applications, and Financial Aid applications) from a FuturesNW team member by emailing Ashley DeLatour to set up a virtual appointment:adelatour@futuresnw.org. Want Financial Aid completion resources? Click here.