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Washington state aid application asks for less information

Published on November 9, 2026

Washington has launched a redesigned Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for the 2027-28 academic year. The application is for Washington students who cannot or choose not to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may use either application to apply for the Washington College Grant.1

What was removed. The previous application asked about assets, investments, and the value of a business or farm. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) removed these questions because the state does not need the information to award aid. Fields such as the student’s street address were also removed to collect less personal data.1

How long it takes. WSAC set a goal that a student and parent can complete the application in less than 20 minutes. The new site adjusts to phones, tablets and computers, and a demo version is open to anyone, so counselors, students and families may practice before filing.1

Languages. The WASFA has been available in Spanish since 2022. It is now also available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.1

What the aid is worth. For 2026-27, a student from a family of three with income of $70,000 or less may receive the full Washington College Grant, and a family with income up to $117,000 may receive a reduced award. The 2027-28 WASFA is open now at wasfa.onconcourse.com .1

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Footnotes

  1. Washington Student Achievement Council, Washington makes it easier for students to apply for state financial aid , media release dated October 27, 2026. Washington College Grant income limits: Washington Student Achievement Council, Washington College Grant award amounts . ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  1. Education Department requires ID for FAFSA applicants after fraud case, October 30, 2026.
  2. 2027-28 FAFSA opened Sept. 23, 2026, the earliest launch in program history, October 28, 2026.
  3. Michigan opens third round of Universal FAFSA Challenge, October 27, 2026.
  4. FAFSA form opens early for 2027-2028 school year, September 27, 2026.