For most college students, financial aid makes their higher education possible. In fact, more than eight in 10 undergraduate students attending a four-year universities receive some form of financial aid, and the number is similar for students at two-year colleges.[1]
There are several different kinds of financial aid. Take the time to research your options and determine which work best for you, your family and your college situation.
To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
For a full step-by-step guide on how to fill out the FAFSA click HERE.
Here are some type of aid to consider
Federal Pell Grant
Determined by rules set by Congress, the Federal Pell Grant maximum award for 2017—2018 award year was not been set, but previously was $5,730 (2015). The Pell Grant is an entitlement program, which means that all students who are eligible will receive a grant award. Typically to be “Pell Eligible,” your EFC must be $3,000 or less. The amount of the grant will be determined by the student need and cost of attendance at a particular school.
Loans
Student loans, unlike grants, work-study and scholarships, must be repaid with interest once you graduate or leave college. An important difference between loans is whether they are subsidized or unsubsidized, which refers to what happens to the interest that accumulates, or accrues, between the time you take out a loan and when you stop attending college.
Simply stated, the interest on a subsidized loan is paid for by the federal government and does not need to be paid back by the student or family, while the interest on an unsubsidized loan is either rolled into the amount borrowed, that is, the principle of the loan, or paid by the student or family while the student attends college. Students with greater financial need are more likely to get subsidized loans than are those with less need.
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Federal Perkins Loans are made available to students through participating colleges at the undergraduate, graduate and professional level. Students must demonstrate financial need and this type of subsidized loan is paid back to the institution the student attends.
- Stafford Loans are made available to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree. There are two types of Stafford Loans, subsidized and subsidized.
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PLUS Loans are loans that parents can take out to help pay for the cost of their dependent children’s undergraduate education. PLUS Loans maximum amounts are determined by the student’s cost of attendance minus other aid received. The borrower pays all interest.
The U.S. Department of Education has summarized the types of loans available to college student in the Federal Student Loan Programs Fact Sheet.
Federal Work Study
This is a program which allows a student to obtain a job as part of the financial aid package. Work study jobs will pay at least minimum wage and are funded with either federal or state money. Wages earned through the Work Study program do not figure in to student income for the following year’s financial aid analysis, but may be subject to income taxes.
Scholarships
Scholarships are grants-in-aid money that do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded by colleges for outstanding academic achievement, through private organizations, local fraternal groups or clubs, and other community organizations. Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible. Check the scholarship listing online often, including your high school’s scholarship website, and be sure to complete and submit your school’s scholarship application.
College Bound Scholarship
The College Bound Scholarship was established by the Legislature in 2007. The purpose of the program is to provide state funded financial aid to low-income students who may not consider college a possibility because of the cost. Eligibility for the scholarship is a two part process.
First, students whose families are income-eligible must submit a complete application during grade 7 or 8, and no later than June 30 of their eighth grade year. Second, students must complete the scholarship pledge requirements and meet income-eligibility guidelines as determined by colleges using data from the student’s FAFSA or WASFA in their senior year of high school.
*The scholarship covers tuition (at comparable public colleges), some fees, and a small book allowance.
The College Bound Guidebook can be found by clicking here. More information can be found by clicking here.
College Bound has started a texting service to support seniors with their financial aid applications. The service, which we call “Otterbot”, is available 24/7.
Otterbot will launch on November 13, 2019. If students have a cellphone number listed on their College Bound application, they will get texts sent to them directly. They can opt-out of the Otterbot messages at any time.
Students can also text 360-928-7281 and say, “Hi Otter!” to get connected. Share this flyer with your students to let them know about Otterbot: http://bit.do/otterbotflyer
Washington College Grant Money
Grant recipients can use the financial aid at Washington's eligible institutions, including public two- and four-year colleges and universities and many accredited private/independent colleges, universities, and career schools in the state.
For 2019-20, eligible students have a household income that is less than 70 percent of the state's median family income (MFI).
Beginning in 2020-21, income eligibility will increase to 100 percent of MFI, with funding guaranteed for eligible students. The program will also expand to provide support for apprenticeships. Award amounts vary based on income, family size, and the school or program attended.
You will be considered for the WA College Grant after completing the FAFSA.
Other Forms of Financial Aid
One of the best sources of financial aid is the college you plan to attend. Do not be afraid to contact the financial aid officer to inquire about college costs and possible forms of aid. When you receive an aid package, keep in mind that the award was put together to give all applicants the best chance of meeting each individual’s need.
The offers will always vary from school to school. You should not look to compare the aid package dollar for dollar because each college has a different pool of money to work with and different considerations. Use the information to make the best decision for you and your family.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program provides students in the western states the opportunity to enroll in many two-year and four-year college programs at a reduced tuition equal to 150% of the college’s resident tuition. Students interested in the WUE program should apply for admission directly to the institution to be considered for the WUE program.
Eligibility requirements for WUE vary across institutions, and not all public college and universities in the WUE region offer WUE scholarships. The following states are participants in the WUE program: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Almost all undergraduate programs are available to a WUE student, however some colleges may designate only certain fields of study.
[1]Grants and Loans to Students, National Center for Educational Statistics.http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cuc.asp