Attention Washington college students: There's still time to apply for federal aid

With the new school year starting soon, Washington state education leaders want college-bound students to know it’s not too late to apply for federal financial aid.

The newly revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA —was supposed to be easier this year, complete with a new streamlined form.

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But it was not. The form was released months behind schedule, then it was mired with technical glitches. Now, Washington state has been grappling with one of the worst FAFSA completion rates in the country.

As of July 19, only about 36% of Washington seniors have filled out the application, according to the National College Attainment Network. That's an 11% decrease from last year, and the sixth-lowest rate among all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Christina Winstead, the associate director of College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council, said she's worried about the consequences this trend will have on students and families for years to come.

About half of families qualify for financial aid, Winstead said, and it can help cover tuition, school supplies — even computers — and living expenses for college. State aid also covers college alternatives, like apprenticeships and certificate programs.

"My biggest fear is that students who are not informed about access will do things like take a private loan, like not pursue education, or not pursue a pathway that they want to pursue," Winstead said.

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Winstead knows how difficult it can be to understand what financial aid options are available. When she was in her first year of college, she almost dropped out because she assumed she wouldn't qualify for financial aid and struggled to juggle multiple jobs with her schoolwork.

"When I see these numbers, I just think of all the students who are like me," she said, "who didn't know they should apply for aid, who struggled with three jobs and thought, 'Oh, it's me. I'm the reason why I'm not able to go through school.'"

While there was a surge in FAFSA applications this spring, Winstead said she's concerned about a recent summer slow-down.

And she wants Washington students to know it's not too late.

Students have until June to get the upcoming school year covered by financial aid.

"Students need to know what's available to them," Winstead said. "They can't make an informed decision if they don't have all the information."

For more information about FAFSA — or to get help on the application — visit the Washington Student Achievement Council website.