RENTON, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson kicked off a new statewide push Saturday to boost completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), announcing the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign during a rally with seniors at Renton High School.
Ferguson also signed an executive order establishing the campaign and creating an advisory board to set goals, track progress and promote FAFSA completion across the state. The board will include students, school officials, university representatives and members of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).
“Washington is one of the most generous states in the country when it comes to financial aid,” Ferguson said. “I want every eligible student to take advantage of this money for college, apprenticeships and other education or training. But to access that money, you have to fill out the form.”
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal grants, scholarships, loans and Washington’s own financial aid programs, including the Washington College Grant (WA Grant). Nearly half of Washington households qualify for the grant, which can cover full tuition at public universities for families making up to 60 percent of the state’s median income. The WA Grant can also be applied toward private colleges, registered apprenticeships or approved job training programs.
Despite the available aid, Washington ranks among the bottom five states nationally for FAFSA completion. Officials say this leaves millions of dollars in unused financial aid each year.
“Completing a financial aid application is a critical step in unlocking opportunities for more than half of Washington’s students,” said Isaac Kwakye, deputy executive director of WSAC. “Our research shows that when students from the lowest-income families receive financial aid, they typically surpass their parents’ income within three years of graduating from college. That’s meaningful intergenerational economic mobility.”
The governor’s campaign aims to increase FAFSA and Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) submissions. The WASFA provides an alternative path for students who are ineligible for federal aid but still qualify for state assistance.
