File your FAFSA or WASFA

Learn which application to complete, when to file and what you’ll need.

Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is an important step in applying for financial aid at WSU Vancouver. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for financial aid, it’s still worth completing your FAFSA or WASFA. Some scholarships require a financial aid application, and you might be surprised by what you qualify for.

If you’re not sure which application to complete or need help along the way, resources and financial aid counselors are available to help you through the process.

File your application

File your FAFSA

File your FAFSA by the priority date to maximize your financial aid options.

WSU priority date: January 31

FAFSA application

File your WASFA

File your WASFA by the priority date to maximize your financial aid options.

WSU priority date: January 31

WASFA application

Which application should I complete?

Not sure whether the FAFSA or WASFA is right for you? Here’s how to tell.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. It helps determine whether you qualify for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study and loans. You can also use the FAFSA to be considered for state and university aid.

You’ll need to complete a new FAFSA each academic year if you want to be considered for financial aid.

New to the FAFSA?

Not sure what to expect? Watch this short video for an introduction to the FAFSA and how it works.

Watch the video

The WASFA, or Washington Application for State Financial Aid, is for students who are ineligible to file the FAFSA because of their immigration status. The WASFA can also be used in limited circumstances by other select applicants who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.

If you meet Washington’s residency requirements, you can use the WASFA to be considered for Washington state and university financial aid. Federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, is not available through the WASFA.

You generally only need to complete one application. If you’ve already submitted a FAFSA, you don’t need to submit a WASFA unless WSU Financial Aid directs you to do so.

Questions?

Student Financial Services

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Email Address van.finaid@wsu.edu
Phone (360) 546-9788
LocationThe Cougar Center is located in the upper level of the Student Services Center.

Cougar Center Schedule

  • Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm

FAFSA and WASFA highlights

Priority Dates

Submit your FAFSA or WASFA by the priority date to maximize your financial aid options. Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Priority date: January 31

Missed the priority date? You can still submit your FAFSA or WASFA. Submitting by the priority date gives you the best opportunity to be considered for available aid.

Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines

WSU School Code

003800

You must include WSU’s school code on your FAFSA or WASFA, or WSU will not receive your application information and will not be able to offer you financial aid.

Forgot to add the code? You may update your FAFSA or WASFA to add WSU at any time.

Apply again each year

You’ll need to complete a new FAFSA or update your WASFA each academic year if you want to be considered for financial aid.

Your application will be simpler in following years because much of your information can carry over. Review and update your information for the new academic year, including changes to your family, income or other financial circumstances.

Your financial aid may change from year to year based on your financial situation, academic progress or available financial aid.

Before you file

A little preparation can make your application easier to complete.

FAFSA

You will need:

  • A StudentAid.gov account, with a username and password (FSA ID)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Parent or spouse contributor information, if required
  • Tax and income information, typically from two years prior
  • Bank and investment records, if applicable

Filing the FAFSA for the first time? Follow the instructions on StudentAid.gov to create your account and complete your application.

What you'll need to complete the FAFSA

WASFA

You will need:

  • A WSAC account, if you’re completing the WASFA for the first time
  • Personal and financial information requested in the application

Filing the WASFA for the first time? Follow the instructions from the Washington Student Achievement Council to create your account and complete your application.

What you'll need to complete the WASFA

After you submit your application

Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA or WASFA:

  • Check your FAFSA or WASFA account for updates or requests for additional information
  • Check your WSU email and myWSU To Do List for requests from WSU.
  • If you’re selected for verification, submit your requested documents by the deadline.

If you’re selected for verification

WSU may ask you to provide additional documents to verify the information on your FAFSA or WASFA. If you’re selected, submit your requested documents by March 31.

Need help?

Have questions about the FAFSA or WASFA? Financial aid counselors can help you understand the application, answer questions and work through issues you run into along the way.

Parents and guardians are also welcome to join an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

Schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor

Frequently asked questions

The FAFSA is your application. You are responsible for completing and signing it before you submit it.

If you’re a dependent student, your parent(s) or guardian(s) will also need to provide information and sign the FAFSA. The FAFSA will ask questions to help determine whether you’re a dependent or independent student.

If you made a mistake on your FAFSA or forgot to include WSU as a school, you may submit a correction through StudentAid.gov.

FAFSA Corrections

If you completed your FAFSA correctly but your or your family’s financial situation has since changed, you may be able to appeal for a financial aid revision through the Financial Aid office.

Appeal for Special Circumstances

If your financial circumstances change after you submit your FAFSA or WASFA, you may be able to request a review of your financial aid. This can include significant changes in income or unexpected expenses. If unexpected expenses have occurred during the academic year that were not accounted for in your aid package, you may fill out a revision request form.

Learn more about financial aid appeals and revisions

You can still submit your FAFSA or WASFA after the priority date. However, some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting by the priority date gives you the best opportunity to be considered for available aid.