Menu
Paying for College
Washington offers more need-based financial aid to undergraduate students than any other state, giving students almost $200 million in grants and scholarships in 2023. That’s money you don’t have to pay back.
There are no income restrictions to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so you could be eligible for gift aid or federal loans. Plus, recent revisions of the FAFSA make it easier than ever to complete.
Don’t miss out! File the FAFSA by our priority date January 31 to be eligible for grants, scholarships, and loans.
Affordable and Accessible
At WSU, we work with you so that families can afford a life-changing WSU education. Our students represent a wide range of economic backgrounds and personal circumstances.
Tuition and Costs
Select Year, Campus, and Career Path to estimate your costs of attendance.
Estimate your aid with the WSU price calculator
The WSU price calculator will estimate the net price – cost of attendance minus median/grant scholarship aid –you’ll pay if you attend WSU. You can choose to answer just a few questions to get an idea of your costs or fill out an in-depth questionnaire to get a more accurate estimate. Estimates are based on factors like state residency and family income but are not an official or final offer of aid.
The Washington College Grant
If you’re a Washington resident, from a low- to middle-income background, and plan to attend college part- or full-time, you’re eligible for the Washington College Grant. One of the most generous financial aid programs in the country, the WA Grant could help you go to any public college in Washington for free! To apply, fill out the FAFSA or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), a separate application for people who are not eligible for the FAFSA.
WSU General Scholarship Application
In addition to federal and state financial aid, scholarships can get you the funds you need to pay for tuition, books, and other costs. Complete WSU’s General Scholarship Application by January 31 every year to be considered for more than 700 scholarships vetted by WSU.
FAFSA or WASFA?
Should you file the FAFSA or the WASFA?
Depending on your personal situation, you may not be eligible to file the FAFSA. Washington residents who are not eligible to file the FAFSA should apply to the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Students who can file the FAFSA will be considered for both federal and state financial aid and do not need to fill out the WASFA.
Note: A parent’s residency status does not affect a student’s eligibility to apply for aid.
FAFSA Eligibility
Fill out the FAFSA if any of the following apply to you:
- United States citizen
- Permanent resident with registration card I-551
- Non-citizen with an I-94 entry exit record showing one of the following:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- On Parole for One Year
- Cuban-Haitian
What you need to file the FAFSA
Your StudentAid.gov account
To access the FAFSA, you’ll need to create an account at StudentAid.gov. Your contributors – anyone who provides information on your FAFSA form, like parents or a spouse – need to create an account, too. You’ll need your Social Security Number (SSN), but your contributors don’t. (Note: Your contributor’s residency status does not affect your eligibility to apply for aid.)
Your financial information
The FAFSA uses yours or your contributors’ federal income tax returns to calculate your results. If you or your contributors did not file a tax return, filed a tax return outside the U.S., or don’t have an SSN, you will still be asked to provide consent for the IRS to transfer your information to the FAFSA. The FAFSA will also ask you or your contributors about untaxed income, such as child support or interest income, and assets, like savings accounts or investments.
A list of schools you want to attend
Add any colleges you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. The schools you list will use your FAFSA results to determine what financial aid you’ll receive. You can list up to 20 schools.
WASFA Eligibility
Fill out the WASFA if any of the following apply to you:
- You’re an undocumented student qualifying under HB-1079 or DACA.
- Your undocumented parents or family members do not wish to file a FAFSA.
- You’ve defaulted on federal loans or have repayments owed on federal grants.
- You’re unable to provide selective service confirmation.
What you need to file the WASFA
Your WASFA account
After completing a WASFA eligibility questionnaire, you’ll be directed to create an account. This account is how you’ll fill out and submit your WAFSA.
Your financial information
To determine your WASFA results, you’ll need bank statements, a W-2 or pay stub, and/or a federal income tax return if you filed one. You’ll also be asked to provide additional relevant information, such as child support statements, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare information, financial investments, or family business or farm information. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need the same information from your spouse or parent(s).
Personal identification
Your Social Security Number, I-797 form, or current or expired DACA status (if applicable). If you have a driver’s license, you’ll be asked to provide that information, too.
A list of schools you want to attend
Add any colleges you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. The schools you list will get a copy of your WASFA so they can determine what financial aid you’ll receive.