Financial Aid at WWU
The FAFSA is Now Open!
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the FAFSA application for the 2025-2026 academic year is officially open.
Current students and new students who plan to attend WWU during the 2025-2026 academic year are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible
To get started, visit FAFSA.gov and be sure to list Western Washington University (school code 003802) as your school of choice.
Helping You Navigate Changes to Financial Aid
At Western Washington University, we're committed to helping you navigate these changes. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure you make the most of your financial aid opportunities.
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)* to apply for financial aid for your education at Western.
We encourage every applicant, new student, and continuing student to apply for financial aid as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not you think you may qualify.
Western's Federal School Code is 003802. This code is used for all WWU campuses and locations.
*Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA instead.
Waiting for the WASFA?
If you are Washington state resident who is ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status, you may apply for state financial aid by completing the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) instead. This will become available in early December.
Complete the FAFSA
What is FAFSA?
The FAFSA® form, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form used to apply for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA form allows access the largest source of financial aid—federal student aid—to help you pay for your education.
Students who submit the FAFSA form may become eligible to receive scholarships, grants, work-study funds, and student loans. Schools use the information provided on the FAFSA form to calculate aid packages and then put together an aid offer.
It’s important to submit a FAFSA form every year you plan to attend college or career/trade school to remain eligible and receive aid.
What is WASFA?
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA unless your college asks you to.
A person should complete the WASFA if they are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid 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.
People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA in order to maximize financial aid awards.
Washington College Grant
If you’re a Washington resident, you will automatically be considered for the Washington College Grant when you submit the FAFSA or WASFA. The nationally recognized Washington College Grant makes a college degree affordable for Washington students. The maximum award amount will cover full tuition for in-state students at Western, and there is no need to pay it back.
There is no separate application needed for the Washington College Grant.
Financial Aid Timeline for New Students
November and December
- FAFSA is open for the upcoming year at studentaid.gov
- WASFA will open for the upcoming year at wsac.wa.gov in early December
- Students who apply for Early Action, may receive scholarship notification as early as December
January 31
Western’s FAFSA and WASFA priority deadline
Spring
- Western financial aid offers mailed to students
- Revised financial aid offers will be posted in Web4U if additional documentation is provided or reviewed
May 1
Last day to commit to Western by submitting your enrollment confirmation form and fee
More Information
Financial Aid Fridays
The Financial Aid Department will be hosting Financial Aid Fridays in December and January both in person and via Zoom to assist in filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
December Events
December 6, 13 and 20
January Events
January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
The events will be held in person from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm in Haggard Hall 112 Computer Lab and over Zoom from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
Link and log in details coming soon!
Visit the Financial Aid Fridays page for more information.
Sign Up for FAFSA Reminders and Updates
Want the latest updates on the FAFSA and financial aid deadlines? Sign up for our email list to receive information from our Office of Financial Aid.
We recommend the FAFSA's Help Center for answers to common questions and troubleshooting. If you have any additional questions, we invite you to visit our financial aid page or connect with your Western Admissions Counselor.
We're here to help you understand the cost of your education.
We recognize that college is a big investment for you and your family. Take advantage of our resources to help navigate the cost of your education. We have detailed cost estimates, a net price calculator, housing and dining options, and debt management information. If you have emergency needs, please contact our Financial Aid department.