RENTON, Wash. — Governor Bob Ferguson launched his new campaign to raise Washington’s low college aid application completion rates with a rally at Renton High School.
Ferguson signed an executive order creating the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign, which aims to improve the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates in Washington.
Washington FAFSA completion rates sit at 52%, with just over 42,000 students completing their applications, according to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).
Washington Completes FAFSA campaign plans to improve those numbers by getting the word out to high school students about funds available not just for college, but also for apprenticeships and post-high school training.
In addition to FAFSA, students can also apply for the Washington College Grant with the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), which can also be used to register for apprenticeships or “on-the-job” training programs that qualify.
“We are thrilled to have the Governor’s direct support in promoting FAFSA and WASFA applications,” said Isaac Kwakye, Deputy Executive Director of WSAC. “Completing a financial aid application is a critical step in unlocking opportunities for more than half of Washington’s students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.”
The campaign will create a board that will include students, school district officials, and university representatives.
The board will be responsible for keeping track of the campaign’s progress and goals.
Students can find more information on the 2026-2027 FAFSA applications that will be available on October 1, here.
They can find more information on state financial assistance here.
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