We know this year’s FAFSA rollout has been frustrating for counselors, families, and students – so we’re glad to have a little good news from Washington state to share. The public four-year colleges announced that they pushed back their college decision date to June 1.
Further, Washington’s independent, not-for-profit, private colleges and universities are committed to working with new and continuing students to provide extra financial aid application support – and many have added flexibility around college decision deadlines. Prospective students and families can access FAFSA resources at the Independent Colleges of Washington website.
Look for similar communications and answers to come from Washington’s community and technical colleges in the near future.
What this means: For students applying to college for fall 2024 admissions, many now have until June 1 to decide whether or not to accept an admission offer from a Washington state college.
Colleges are still waiting on financial aid information from the U.S. Department of Education, but should be getting that in mid-March.
Now, a student has more time to see what financial aid packages are available at the schools they want to attend – and make a decision that works best for them.
As a bonus, Washington state has one of the most generous state financial aid programs in the country.
The bottom line: Despite the extended deadline, students should still fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible (or the WASFA if they don’t qualify for federal aid). If families need help, there are high school counselors, community-based organizations, and college admission offices they can reach out to.
We know high school students want to continue their education after graduation. It’s now up to all of us to help them complete this important step.
“We want Washington students and families to know we are here to support them,” Ruben Flores, executive director of the Council of Presidents, told the Washington state legislature when announcing this extension.