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Media Release—College Goal Washington

Get help applying for financial aid at a College Goal Washington event near you

October 18, 2018

Olympia—As of Oct. 1, students can begin applying for financial aid to go to college in the 2019-20 school year. To help people with their financial aid applications, the Washington Student Achievement Council is organizing College Goal Washington events across the state.

Beginning in October and November, College Goal Washington events will take place throughout the state for the rest of the school year. Anyone who wants to pursue education after high school can attend these events. Find College Goal Washington event dates and locations on the 12th Year Campaign map, updated weekly.  

In Washington, there are two different ways to apply for financial aid. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens apply for federal and state financial aid with the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. People who can’t file the FAFSA due to immigration status can still apply for state financial with the WASFA, the Washington Application for State Financial Aid.

All prospective students should apply as early as possible, as some types of aid are first-come, first-served. Colleges have different financial aid deadlines, so students should meet the deadlines for the colleges they want to attend. Students and families can visit ReadySetGrad.org for more information on admissions, financial aid and college readiness.

Applying for financial aid is an important step to continuing education after high school, and students who file the application are far more likely to attend college. “A lack of resources should not be a barrier to students pursuing their dreams,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “All high school students should receive the information and the support they need for financial aid options. College Goal Washington is a good way to help young people and their families achieve their goals.”

College Goal Washington is part of the 12th Year Campaign, a Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) initiative to increase educational attainment. This work is made possible through state funding and support from the Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) as well as site volunteer support from the Washington Financial Aid Association (WFAA).

About the Washington Student Achievement Council 

The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. The council has three main functions:

  1. Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
  2. Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
  3. Advocate for the economic, social and civic benefits of higher education.

The council has nine members. Four members represent each of Washington’s major education sectors: four-year public baccalaureates, four-year private colleges, public community and technical colleges and K-12 public schools. Five are citizen members, including one current student.

Find us on Twitter @WSACouncil and Facebook.