Completing your FAFSA
One of the most essential steps of Washington State University financial aid process is the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or what is commonly referred to as the FAFSA. Once the FAFSA has been completed, the information is processed by the United States Department of Education and the results are forwarded to the schools indicated in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). You may choose to list up to ten (10) schools to receive your SAR. These selected schools will be able to load your information.
Important Information
- FAFSA Web site
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov - PIN Web site
http://www.pin.ed.gov - Washington State University School Code
003800 - Priority Deadline for 2009-2010 Academic Year
February 15th, 2009
First Time Filers
The earlier you file your FAFSA, the more options for aid you will have. Our priority processing deadline for the FAFSA for the 2009-2010 academic year is February 15th, 2009. The FAFSA is available for completion on the first day of the calendar year (January 1st).
Keep in mind that your FAFSA will be used for the entire academic year. So, in example, the 2008-2009 FAFSA is used for Fall 2008, Spring 2009, and Summer 2009. The 2009-2010 FAFSA will be used from Fall 2009 to Summer 2010. If you have any questions as to which academic period to file, please contact our office.
Renewing your Application:
Once you have filed a FAFSA, the following year(s) application is much simpler. You will simply need to update your personal information and input your family information for the current year. You'll need to sign the application using your PIN and ensure that Washington State University is selected as a school of your choice. Once we receive your Student Aid Report from the Department of Education, we will begin processing your aid.
Late Filers:
If you have missed our priority deadline, it does not mean that financial aid is not available. For some limited funding options, we can only offer the award to those who filed before the priority deadline but there are many other programs available. We encourage you to file a FAFSA, no matter how late - generally there will be some form of aid available.
Support Options:
The Department of Education FAFSA web site (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) has detailed instructions on completing the FAFSA. Please keep in mind that Washington State University has limited capabilities to assist students with the FAFSA process. The Department of Education has extensive support options available if you should have difficulties completing the application. If you are having difficulties with your Personal Identification Number, we suggest contacting the Department of Education as well. You can find their support information on their web site (http://www.pin.ed.gov).