WASFA

(For HB1079 students and DACA students who are eligible for HB1079)

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is the form for undocumented students and others who don’t qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status or for other select applicants.

The REAL Hope Act, also known as the Washington Dream Act, allows non-citizens who have been and are Washington State residents to apply for student financial aid in Washington State through the WASFA. This law expanded eligibility for the Washington State Need Grant to non-citizens who meet certain program requirements and residency requirements.

People who complete the WASFA are applying for Washington State Aid such as the Washington College Grant.

If you are unsure if you should complete a FAFSA or a WASFA, complete the WASFA Eligibility Questionnaire.

Steps to Apply

1. Applying for admission is a critical step in the financial aid process because only admitted students can receive financial aid. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
   1. Complete your Application for Admission and Residency Information.
   2. Only students planning to complete a degree at Highline College are eligible for Financial Aid.
   3. Declare your intended degree on your Highline Admissions Application. Students with undeclared degrees, or who sign up for classes that are not required for their stated degree will be denied financial aid.
   4. If you decide to change your degree after you submit your Application for Admissions, you must contact the Admissions office to have your degree updated.
2. Complete the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)
3. After you complete the WASFA, the college will determine whether you meet state residency requirements and state financial aid eligibility. State financial aid could include Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, Passport to Careers, National Guard Grant, or State Work Study.

Residency requirements

• Completed high school in Washington
• Have lived in Washington for three years prior to, and continuously since, earning the high school diploma?
• Sign an affidavit (written promise) to file an application to become a permanent resident to the United States when eligible to apply*.

*Students granted deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) must also complete and sign the affidavit.

WASFA Privacy Statement

• • The WASFA Privacy Statement can be found here

WASFA Application Resources

• • • WASFA Application Guide — English (word) (PDF)
    • WASFA Application Guide — Spanish (word) (PDF)
    • Sample WASFA — English
    • Sample WASFA — Spanish

Questions? Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council by email at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov, or call 888-535-0747 and select option 2.