FAFSA and Federal Aid

https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/militaryFAFSA Logo

Completing a FAFSA is the very first "scholarship" step!

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students must complete this application in order to qualify for many types of federal and state grants, students loans, work-study programs and private scholarship opportunities.

Who can answer my questions about the FAFSA?

At Lakeside: Patty Dallabetta/[email protected]/509-340-4265

Financial Aid Advisors at the colleges to which you are applying are a great resource!

And you can call: 1 800 4FED-AID (800-433-3243)

Have you created an FSA ID?

  1. BEFORE filling out the FAFSA, BOTH the student and the parent will need to create an FSA ID.
  2. You can view a step-by-step video walkthrough of how to create your FSA ID here:

Washington Student Achievement Council FSA ID Walk-Through

You can store your FSA ID information on these worksheets.

The FAFSA opens Oct. 1st! File here

Overview on all Federal Aid found here.

Federal Grants: (free monies that do not need to be repaid)

Pell Grant(eligibility based on many factors, but primarily financial need)

FSEOG (for exceptional need):

A TEACH Grant is available if you plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area

If your parent passed away as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan, you may be eligible for a Service Grant

Other military grants available.

Information on transferring GI Bill College Benefits Information on maximizing your GI Bill Benefits

Work-Study

Federal Work Study programs (qualifying students can work on their college campuses)

Federal Loans: (monies that need to be repaid) Student loan overview

All students regardless of income will be offered at least one student loan program (low interest loans that need to be repaid beginning six months after graduation or discontinuing your education). If you accept a loan, you will receive Entrance Loan Counseling to understand fully your obligations, and sign a Master Promissory Note (the loan contract). These tasks will be accomplished through your college's financial aid office. Those who are financially eligible will be offered a subsidized loan (does not accrue interest while you are attending school). All students will be offered an unsubsidized loan (accrues interest while you are in school). If you are eligible for both, always accept a subsidized loan first. Parent PLUS loans can be applied for by the parents of students.

State Grant Programs

Important to Understand: You MUST fill out your FAFSA to receive nearly ALL Washington state grants - they are awarded through your school's financial aid package!

If you have not filed your FAFSA yet, go back to Step One!

College Bound Scholarship 7th 8th

Fill out your FAFSA after October 1, 2020 - Check with Mrs. Dallabetta to see if you are a College Bound student

An "early promise" scholarship; you must have signed up for this in 7th or 8th grade.

  • Will combine with other state financial aid you receive to cover the average tuition (at comparable public college rates) some fees, and a small book allowance.
  • Must be income-eligible: family of 4 must make $57,000 or less
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA by high school graduation

Washington College Grant

  • Fill out FAFSA after October 1, 2021 (no separate application necessary)
  • Have a family income of equal to or less than 70 percent of the state median
  • Enroll at an eligible institution in Washington

Washington State Governors' Scholarship  Deadline: January 31, 2022

  • Foster youth only - can be foster care or legal guardianship, but not adopted by relatives
  • Recipients can receive between $2,000 and $4,000 per academic year

American Indian Endowed Scholarship    Deadline: March 1, 2022

  • Must have close social and cultural ties to an in-state American Indian tribe or community
  • Have a financial need
  • Enroll in a public or private college

Passport to College for Foster Youth

  • Have been in Washington state, federal, or tribal foster care after age 15

  • The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs. Passport to Careers includes two sub-programs:

    • Passport to College
    • Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Through Passport to College, students get a scholarship and support services from college staff. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses. 

    Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities supports people in registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. Funds can cover tuition and fees for classes, and occupational costs like work clothes and tools.

WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Opportunity Grant

  • SFCC, SCC and Washington state community colleges students only
  • Only certain programs/majors are eligible
  • Based on financial need, FAFSA information used to determine eligibility