Student Futures and the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that current and prospective college students in the United States complete to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. This aid can include federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own financial aid packages.
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Completing the FAFSA is crucial because it is the primary way students apply for federal financial aid. This aid can significantly reduce the cost of college, making higher education more accessible. The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid, such as grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers.

Washington State has a low FAFSA completion rate. For the class of 2023, the completion rate was 44.9%, placing Washington 47th nationally.

Several barriers can prevent students from completing the FAFSA, including:

• Complexity of the Form: The FAFSA can be confusing and time-consuming, with many questions about financial status that students may find difficult to answer. There have been efforts to simplifying the for by reducing the number of questions and making it easier to complete.

 

• Lack of Awareness: Some students and families are not aware of the FAFSA or the financial aid opportunities it provides. Many schools and communities are running awareness campaigns to inform students and their families about the importance of the FAFSA and how to complete it.

 

• Parental Support: Students may lack the necessary parental support to complete the form, especially if their parents are unfamiliar with the process. Completing the FAFSA requires information that only the parent or guardian may have. Some parents are reluctant to provide that information. Many schools offer workshops and one-on-one assistance to help students and families fill out the FAFSA.

 

• Verification Process: Low-income students are often selected for income and asset verification, which can delay the processing of their applications. The verification process is critical to ensure that a student gets all the financial aid possible. It is important to submit the FAFSA as early as possible.

 

• Deadlines: Misunderstanding or missing deadlines can also be a significant barrier.

In addition to traditional 4-year colleges and universities, community colleges and trade schools also use the FAFSA for determining and access financial aid opportunities.

Regardless of the barriers to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) it is critical that students, parents, and schools work together to ensure that every student has access to all the financial resources available to them.
To learn more, check out the FAFSA website at usa.gov/fafsa

​To learn more, check out the FAFSA website at usa.gov/fafsa