Students planning college or job training can check a source of help before deciding what they can afford: Washington College Grant, usually called WA Grant. Recent graduates and adults returning to education can qualify, and applications are open for both the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.
For families in Snohomish and Island counties, the useful starting point is the Washington Student Achievement Council’s financial-aid application guide. The right application depends on the year you will attend and the kind of aid you want to seek.
How much help could you receive?
For 2026–27, an eligible student in a family of four with annual income of $83,500 or less can receive a full WA Grant award. Partial awards extend to a family-of-four income of $139,500. Family size matters: the full-award income limit is $43,500 for one person, $57,000 for two and $70,000 for three.
Those figures use income reported on 2024 taxes. They apply to the current academic year. Families planning for fall 2027 should check the separate 2027–28 rules when estimating aid.
WSAC’s eligibility and awards tables list a maximum annual full-time community or technical college award of $5,095 for 2026–27. Your actual award depends on eligibility, enrollment and the institution or program. Budget for the full cost of attendance, including books, transportation, meals and housing, when comparing aid offers.
Check your school and eligibility
Participating institutions include Everett Community College, Skagit Valley College and Edmonds College. Confirm that your particular course of study qualifies for financial aid before enrolling.
Students generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, qualifying Washington residency and financial need, and must be working toward an eligible program without already holding a bachelor’s degree. The state’s eligibility rule also provides approved routes for some students without a high school credential. Ask the financial aid office about your circumstances, remaining eligibility and academic-progress requirements.
U.S. citizens and noncitizens, including undocumented students, can qualify as Washington residents. Residency has several routes; the college can help resolve questions using WSAC’s residency guidance.
Choose an application
The FAFSA considers students for federal and state aid. The WASFA offers a state-aid application for people who cannot or choose not to submit the federal form. Complete one application. Students who already submitted a FAFSA generally also applied for state aid; WSAC says to complete a WASFA afterward only if the college asks.
Choose 2026–27 for fall 2026 through spring 2027, or 2027–28 for fall 2027 through spring 2028. Ask your college which application covers summer. Reapply each year, include the schools you are considering and check for follow-up requests.
Free help this fall
In its Nov. 4 update, WSAC set a campaign goal of getting 40% of high school seniors to apply for financial aid by Dec. 31. That is the campaign’s target date. Check each college’s financial-aid priority dates when planning your application.
WSAC also offers free online help in English and Spanish: a Class of 2027 financial-aid night Nov. 17 and a parent and caregiver session Nov. 18, both at 5:30 p.m. Pacific. Register in advance; the organizer asks people to use initials rather than full names.
Apprentices have a route too
For employer-sponsored apprenticeships, check the WA Grant for Apprenticeship page and ask your sponsor whether your program participates. That program has its own application process and a 2026–27 maximum award of $2,548. College-based apprentices should ask their financial aid office which route applies.
Eligibility and award information checked Oct. 30, 2026, against WSAC guidance and Washington’s eligibility rule. Application availability, the fall campaign and November help sessions checked Nov. 4, 2026, against WSAC sources.
