Governor Ferguson kicks off campaign to increase Washington FAFSA completion rates at Renton High School

RENTON -At Renton High School today, Governor Bob Ferguson rallied with RHS seniors and signed an executive orderestablishing the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can unlock financial aid for college, apprenticeships and post-high school training, but only if students and their parents fill out the form.

Washington provides some of the most generous state financial aid in the country - nearly half of Washington households qualify to receive financial aid through the Washington College Grant, also known as WA Grant. WA Grant can also be used for registered apprenticeships or a qualifying "on-the-job training program."

Yet, for the past several years, Washington has consistently ranked in the bottom five states for completing the FAFSA, the key to unlocking this and other financial aid.

"Washington is one of the most, if not the most generous in terms of financial assistance," Ferguson said. "I want every eligible student to take advantage of this money for college, apprenticeships and other education or training. To access that money, all you have to do is fill out the form. You will never know how much financial aid you qualify for unless you do."

"We are thrilled to have the Governor's direct support in promoting FAFSA and WASFA applications," said Isaac Kwakye, deputy executive director of Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). "Completing a financial aid application is a critical step in unlocking opportunities for more than half of Washington's students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. 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."

Figuring out how to pay for college or post-high school training is the most-cited barrier to enrolling and continuing in education beyond high school. By completing the FAFSA, students and families can take advantage of federal grants, scholarships and loans, as well as Washington state financial aid opportunities.

If you are below 60 percent of the median family income, your full tuition and fees will be covered at any one of Washington's public universities. For example: A family of three making up to $66,000 - a single parent, two kids, or two parents, one kid - will have full tuition and fees covered.

Some money is also available for those with higher incomes. There is also some money available for private colleges and universities.

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, is an alternative form available for students who may not be eligible for federal aid but are still eligible for the WA Grant. Anyone in Washington can choose to use the WASFA instead of the FAFSA, although they won't get federal aid.

The Executive Order Governor Ferguson signed today establishes the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign and creates an advisory board to spearhead the campaign, set completion goals and track the campaign's progress. That board will include students, school district officials, university representatives and more, and will be staffed by WSAC.

The FAFSA for the 2026-2027 school yearwill open by Oct. 1. More information about how to fill out the FAFSA is available here.

WSAC has more information about Washington state financial assistance here.