Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Students may qualify for Washington state financial aid under SB 5194 or DACA.

The Washington Student Achievement Council has provided a state application for students who are unable to complete a FAFSA due to their immigration status. This free application--known as the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or the WASFA—will allow non-citizens to apply for student financial aid in Washington State. “WASFA replaces the FAFSA for undocumented students in Washington State” Upon successful completion of a WASFA, the college(s) chosen by the student will use the financial information provided in the application to determine eligibility to receive the Washington State aid.

*Please note that the information provided by the student to the institution and the WASFA is protected and will not be shared with a third party, since it is protected through FERPA.

WAFSA Information:
Website External Site Link
WASFA application External Site Link

Students receiving aid through WASFA may be eligible for additional financial resources. 

Senate Bill 5194 Financial Aid Details

As of July 25, 2021, HB 1079 has been replaced by SB 5194, which makes it easier to be a Washington state resident for financial aid and tuition purposes.

You may now qualify for residency if you: 

  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Lived in Washington for at least one year
  • Signed the Residency Affidavit included in the WASFA. 

Contact your school’s Residency Office or Financial Aid Office for more information, or visit wsac.wa.gov/residency for details.

For those students who meet the qualifications for SB 5194, here are your steps for Financial Aid:

  1. Complete the WAFSA application. External Site Link
  2. Check your WASFA award in the Financial Aid Student Portal. External Site Link
  3. Review the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for continued WASFA funding (assuming WASFA students are tied to same SAP standards as FAFSA students).
  4. Let us know if you have questions!

DACA Financial Aid Details

Students who have DACA, have graduated from high school or have a GED, and who have lived in Washington for at least 12 months may be eligible for WASFA. See the DACA page for details about residency.

For student with DACA who meet graduation and residency requirements, here are your steps for Financial Aid:

  1. Complete the State Residency Questionnaire  and submit it with supporting paperwork to Enrollment Services
  2. Complete WAFSA application. External Site Link
  3. Check your WASFA award in the Financial Aid Student Portal. External Site Link
  4. Review the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for continued WASFA funding (assuming WASFA students are tied to same SAP standards as FAFSA students).
  5. Let us know if you have questions!