The number of students filling out the federal student financial aid form in Washington is rebounding.
As of March, 38 percent of high school seniors have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a rate that's on par with 2022 and closing in on the 41% reached by the class of 2023 — the highest since the pandemic.
While the number may not seem extraordinary, it's significant after last year's roll out of a new FAFSA form, which opened late and suffered from technical problems and data delays that left schools and families in the dark well into spring.
Filling out the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take toward postsecondary education. Each year, students in Washington leave millions of dollars in federal and state financial aid on the table when they don't fill out the form. Since cost is one of the main barriers to attending college, that money makes a difference, especially for low-income and first generation college students.
The state's economy depends on students pursuing higher education, officials say. They cite that 70% of the state's open jobs between 2024 and 2029 are expected to require some degree of schooling beyond high school. At the same time, a report from 2023 projected around 40% of the high school class of 2021 were projected to earn credentials by age 26.
The head of a state agency dedicated to postsecondary outcomes is predicting the state's FASFA completion rate will continue to improve — not just this year, but also in the years to come.
"If this trajectory continues, then the class of 2025 could surpass the class of 2023," said Michael Meotti, executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council.
While the state saw early filers jump on the form when it opened in December, history suggests that Washington tends to fall in national rankings by spring. The challenge, Meotti said, is not just to start strong but to keep momentum through June and even into September, when a last wave of students often completes their applications.
The state has invested in a more concentrated FAFSA outreach campaign this year, focusing efforts between January and June, when most students who need financial aid are making postsecondary decisions. While the state has only about $1 million to spend on advertising, Meotti said they've targeted 50 high schools to try to lift FAFSA filings where it could make the biggest statewide impact.
What gives Meotti confidence isn't just this year's rebound but a big shift scheduled for the Washington College Grant.
The grant, created by the Legislature in 1969, covers some or all tuition at a number of Washington's public and private colleges. It is aimed at increasing college going among the state's low-income youth, covering anywhere from 10% to 100% of tuition costs.
Next year, through money from that grant, the state will begin guaranteeing free tuition to all students if their families qualify for food stamps. Students will find out as early as 10th grade if they've received that guarantee.
Unlike other students vying for grant funds, these students won't have to fill out the FAFSA to receive those dollars. But Meotti said those students who are guaranteed free tuition will be more motivated to fill out the FAFSA, because they may get additional support through federal grants.
"With each passing year, (the grant) starts to have potential for viral impact ... People who benefit from it share it with others in their family, their neighborhoods, their schools," he said.
Another factor giving Meotti hope is an increase in college enrollment among students receiving financial aid, while enrollment rates for students not receiving financial aid are declining. That, Meotti said, is a strong signal these financial aid programs are encouraging attendance.
If Washington can build stronger habits earlier — through tools like the Washington College Grant — Meotti believes the state could see not just higher FAFSA filings but stronger college attendance overall.
"We're trying to get the students who give up on college in high school because they're convinced they can't afford it to realize: Don't worry. Your tuition will be paid."
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