At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Award size depends on income, family size and the approved school or programme. Full awards can be equivalent to public-college tuition; partial awards also exist.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
- Income / financial rules
- For 2026–27, the published full-award income level for a family of four is $83,500; some aid is available up to $139,500. These examples use 2024 tax income, not a universal income cutoff.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
- Who to check first
- Be a Washington resident with a high-school diploma/GED/equivalent and meet the applicable income requirements.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
- Application timing
- Applications for 2026–27 and 2027–28 are open. Choose the year of attendance and confirm school/summer timing; there is no single full-date deadline on this guidance page.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
Choose the correct application cycle
Status was reviewed on Oct 16, 2026. A filing window, a priority date and an award decision are different steps. Check the official programme before acting.
2026–27 academic year
Reported openAid-form filing
Use the eligibility checklist and confirm the terms for this cycle. Published amounts do not establish your award.
Submitting an aid form does not confirm programme eligibility or an award.
2027–28 academic year
Reported openAid-form filing
Funding amounts and eligibility for this cycle have not been reviewed here. Earlier-cycle figures are not estimates for this one.
Submitting an aid form does not confirm programme eligibility or an award.
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Choose FAFSA or WASFA for the correct academic year, not both. FAFSA can access federal and state aid; WASFA is a state/college-aid route, including for qualifying undocumented residents.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
- 2Reapply each year. Ask the college’s aid office about programme eligibility, summer-year selection and your award; apprentices should also confirm sponsor participation.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · Washington Student Achievement Council ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Award size depends on income, family size and the approved school or programme. Full awards can be equivalent to public-college tuition; partial awards also exist.
Is there an income limit?
For 2026–27, the published full-award income level for a family of four is $83,500; some aid is available up to $139,500. These examples use 2024 tax income, not a universal income cutoff.
When should I apply?
Applications for 2026–27 and 2027–28 are open. Choose the year of attendance and confirm school/summer timing; there is no single full-date deadline on this guidance page.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.