Financial Aid in Washington (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Washington's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Washington FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Washington grant programs
Washington College Grant
One of the country's most generous programs. Covers full tuition at public colleges for low- and many middle-income residents, with partial awards higher up the income scale.
Administered by Washington Student Achievement Council. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Washington students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Washingtonstudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Washington?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Washington offer?
Washington College Grant: One of the country's most generous programs. Covers full tuition at public colleges for low- and many middle-income residents, with partial awards higher up the income scale. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Washington resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Washington?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Washington Student Achievement Council determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.