ERIC Number: ED629061
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Feb
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Knowledge Is Power: Ongoing Efforts to Increase Financial Aid Awareness and Access for Washington Students
Washington Student Achievement Council
Washington has some of the strongest state financial aid programs in the country. These programs support a diverse set of educational opportunities--from certificate programs to associate and bachelor's degrees. They are available to help cover the costs of tuition for many low- and middle-income students. Washington's commitment to helping students pursue postsecondary opportunities continues to grow as state financial aid programs grow. Many more students could access financial aid by completing a financial aid application. Students must apply for federal or state financial aid with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). In 2022, only about half of high school seniors in the state completed a FAFSA. Washington historically ranks near the bottom in FAFSA completion nationally. Like other states, Washington's FAFSA completion got even worse during the COVID-19 pandemic as fewer students applied for financial aid or enrolled in postsecondary education and training. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has led efforts to address this challenge and raise awareness about the state's many financial aid and postsecondary opportunities. This brief shares key ongoing initiatives and new strategies.
Descriptors: High School Students, College Bound Students, Student Financial Aid, Knowledge Level, Access to Information, Financial Aid Applicants, Information Dissemination, Postsecondary Education, Grants, Low Income Students, Paying for College, Student Costs
Washington Student Achievement Council. P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504. Tel: 360-753-7800; E-mail: info@wsac.wa.gov; Web site: http://www.wsac.wa.gov
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A