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Complete the FAFSA/WASFA

All Seattle Promise students must complete the 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA to keep their scholarship. It's how we figure out your financial aid award for attending Seattle Colleges as a Promise student.

Start applying as early as possible. This year there have been changes to the application and the process can take longer to complete. Please note: due to extended federal government delays related to the launch of the Better FAFSA, Seattle Promise has extended the 2024-25 FAFSA/WASFA application deadline to July 15, 2024.

How to Complete Your FAFSA/WASFA


Step 1: Determine which financial aid application you should complete.

Most students will complete the FAFSA. Students unable to file a FAFSA may qualify to complete the WASFA. Learn which one is right for you.

Step 2: Complete the federal FAFSA or state WASFA application.

  • It's a good idea to have a parent or guardian with you to help you answer questions and gather the documents you'll need. 
  • The first item you will complete in the application process is setting up your FSA ID. Your parent or guardian (or "contributor" as described in the FAFSA) will also be asked to set up a FSA ID. Until you have your FSA IDs you will not be able to proceed with the next steps. This process can take three to seven days (according to the federal government). 
  • *Don't forget to include the college code you want your FAFSA/WASFA information sent to. 
    • Seattle Central College School Code is 003787
    • North Seattle College School Code is 009704
    • South Seattle College School Code is 009706

Start Your FAFSA Start Your WASFA

Step 3: Review your Student Aid Report (FAFSA applicants).

Log in to studentaid.gov using your FSA ID and password to:

Parents can also use their FSA ID and password to sign their student’s financial aid applications electronically.

*Your Student Aid Report (SAR) is available for viewing approximately three days after you complete and submit your application. Review your SAR and make any necessary corrections. Keep a copy for your records; we will receive an electronic copy if you listed North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College as one of the receiving schools.

Step 4: Take the Seattle Promise FAFSA/WASFA Status survey.

Complete a short survey to let us know where you are in the application process. This will help us send you accurate information about what to do next.

The changes to the 2024-25 FAFSA application have delayed our access to your information until much later than usual. Completing this short survey will help our specialists know how they can assist.

Step 5: Respond to your financial aid officer.

Check your email for a message from our Financial Aid Officer or your Seattle Promise Specialist. They will let you know if your file is complete or if additional documents or clarification are needed. If we do not hear from you, your financial aid offer may be subject to cancellation. 

Step 6: Receive your financial aid funding.

After you've completed your financial aid file and accepted your award, the Financial Aid office at your college of choice will disburse the funds to your bank account or by check. 

To learn more about the financial aid process and disbursement, visit your college Financial Aid website. 

Questions? Need Help? 

Attend an online workshop or contact your Seattle Promise specialist to get support. 

Your total financial aid package is determined by first applying the financial aid you are eligible for, then any other tuition-related scholarships and funding you may receive are applied. Next, the remaining tuition balance is funded by Seattle Promise dollars, available through the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy.

In addition to tuition funding, students with economic need may also receive an equity scholarship to aid with books, supplies, transportation, and other college-related costs. This tiered approach helps your funding go the furthest and maximizes the number of students who can access college. Learn more about How Your Seattle Promise Scholarship Works (flyer download).

The 2024-25 FAFSA and WASFA applications have been simplified. Here are a few changes and updates to be aware of. 

  • Parents and stepparents are called “contributors” on the new form.   
    You and your parent will need to create your own FSA ID (StudentAid.gov account) as soon as possible. This process will now take 3-5 business days, so plan for extra time. This is because the Social Security Administration must verify you and your parent/guardian's status. For students whose parents are divorced or separated and do not live together, the parent on your FAFSA will be the parent/contributor who provides you with the most financial support. Check out the federal student aid video for more information on contributors.  
     
  • Contributor tax information will be transferred from IRS.   
    Fewer questions are asked about your parents' financial information. Consent and approval for the transfer of tax information is required to receive federal aid. This is required for all, including those who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or do not file US taxes. If your parents/guardians have not filed their 2022 taxes, they should work on completing that process as soon as possible. The new FAFSA application requires that financial information be pulled directly from IRS data when possible, so there’s less information to enter manually. 
     
  • The calculation to determine aid eligibility has been reformulated and renamed.   
    The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been reformulated and given a new name, the Student Aid Index (SAI). This calculation determines a student’s eligibility for certain types of aid.  The new methodology removes the number of family members in college from the eligibility calculation. This means families with multiple college students could receive less federal aid for the 2024-25 school year. However, the SAI will expand the Federal Pell Grant to more students, approximately 930,000 additional Pell Grants will be awarded.  
     
  • Students can now list up to 20 schools on their FAFSA via the online application.  Don't forget to include the college code you want your FAFSA/WASFA information sent to. 
    • Seattle Central College School Code is 003787
    • North Seattle College School Code is 009704       
    • South Seattle College School Code is 009706