Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. People who complete a WASFA are applying for state aid.

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.

More about WASFA

Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant (WCG) is financial aid funding for low-income students. This funding is awarded based on state-legislated income criteria which creates an Maximum Family Income (MFI). 

 More about Washington College Grant

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships in high-demand trade, health care, or STEM fields and launch careers in Washington State.

More ABOUT WSOS

Washington State Work Study

Washington State Work Study is financial aid for low- and middle-income students. Qualifying students get an approved job, on- or off-campus, to support their education. Work study builds students’ skills, increases their earnings, and reduces reliance on student loans. 

More About Work Study

College Bound Scholarship

To qualify for College Bound Scholarships, students had to enroll in the College Bound program in high school and meet certain requirements. The College Bound Scholarship offers additional funding for those students who qualify for the Washington State Need Grant.

Students with this scholarship are guaranteed Washington State Need Grant funds so long as they meet criteria and have enough need.  The self help requirement for the Washington State Need Grant does not apply to students with the College Bound Scholarship. 

MOre about College Bound Scholarships

Passport to Careers

The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.

Through Passport to College, students get a scholarship and support services from college staff. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses.  Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities supports people in registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. Funds can cover tuition and fees for classes, and occupational costs like work clothes and tools.  

More about Passport to Careers

Institutional financial aid is provided by Highline College. The first step to applying for institutional aid is completing the FAFSA or WASFA. 

There are two types of Institutional aid:

• Highline Grant
• Highline Tuition Waiver

More about Institutional Aid

Some scholarships are awarded based on merit (grades, achievement), while others are awarded based on need. The Highline College Foundation awards scholarships each year based on a wide variety of criteria set by donors including financial need, academic merit, community service, and areas of study. Visit the HC Foundation website to find out more!

Federal and state grants are fantastic college funding options because, unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. There are numerous grants available to Highline College.