How to Get Money for College

By Jennie Flaming

Graduates attend a graduation ceremony wearing black caps

Yes, you absolutely can get money for College! This article will cover paying for two and four year college and universities, including most technical and trade school programs. 

Step 1: Apply for Government Money (FAFSA or WASFA)

The most important first step to get money for college is to apply for money from the government. This is important for EVERYONE to do first since it is the source of many different types of financial aid. Financial aid is what colleges call money you get to pay for college. You’ll need to do this in order to receive a student loan, so even if you think you won’t qualify for need based aid, you should still fill this out so you have the option of taking out a loan (you aren’t required to, this just gives you the option).

Another important reason to do this is that many colleges require this application in order to give you merit aid, which is money for college that is not based on need. Merit scholarships could be based on your grades, test scores, or the fact that you play the trumpet.

When you apply for financial aid, most high school students will need to provide parents’ financial information. This can be confusing or frustrating. In the United States, the college system is largely funded by students and their parents. In other countries, taxes pay for college and students pay much less or nothing at all. In the US, your parents’ income determines what financial aid you are eligible for from the government, even if your parents are not going to pay for college.

Even though your parents must provide their information in order for YOU, the student, to be eligible for financial aid, your parents are NOT required to pay anything for college. Applying for financial aid is what let’s you know what your options are for government assistance, it does not require you to go to college or use any grant money or loans. 

FAFSA

For US Citizens, US permanent residents (green card holders) and other eligible non citizens (see here for the list of the type of VISAs that qualify), you apply for financial aid (money for college) by completing the FAFSA.

If you are a US Citizen with undocumented parents, you apply for financial aid with the FAFSA. When you get to where it asks for your parent’s social security number, put in all zeros. The first time you click to the next page, it will give you an error. Don’t panic! Press the button again and it will go through. I know that sounds nuts. But it works!

Check out this article for step by step instructions on how to fill out the FAFSA and get money for college!

Where does my personal information go when I complete a FAFSA?

The information you provide on the FAFSA is protected by law (Family Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA). The information you provide on FAFSA goes three places:

  1. The US Department of Education
  2. The Washington Student Achievement Council (for Washington State students)
  3. The colleges that you request it be sent to (this is part of the application and it is recommended to send to all colleges you are considering attending

That’s it! It is not shared with any other government agency (such as the IRS or ICE) or anyone else.

WASFA

For undocumented Washington State resident students, you apply for financial aid from the State of Washington through the WASFA. The WASFA asks for similar information about you and your parents as the FAFSA. California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas also provide state financial aid for undocumented students. 

Check out this article for step by step instructions on how to fill out the WASFA and get money for college!

Where does my personal information go when I complete the WASFA?

The information you provide on the WASFA is protected by law (Family Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA). The information you provide on WASFA goes two places:

  1. The Washington Student Achievement Council (for Washington State students)
  2. The colleges that you request it be sent to (this is part of the application and it is recommended to send to all colleges you are considering attending

That’s it! It is not shared with any other agency or with the federal government.

What happens after I complete my FAFSA or WASFA?

Once you complete your financial aid application, you’ll receive a notification that it’s been received and you will receive a number called an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount of money the government believes your family can afford to pay for college per year. 

For many low income families, this number will be zero or under $5000. If that’s you, you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. In Washington State, you will also be eligible for the Washington College Grant which will cover most or all of your tuition!

For many middle class families, their EFC might feel completely out of reach. If you feel that way, don’t panic! The formula is based on a structure from the 1960s and it doesn’t account for the different cost of living in different parts of the country. This number helps colleges determine what need based financial aid you are eligible for, but it’s not the only source of money for college.

For Washington students, the Washington Need Grant covers a portion of tuition and some money for college for families with incomes up to $100K per year.

After you complete your Financial aid application, you will eventually receive a financial aid award from colleges that accept you for admission (you will tell the FAFSA or WASFA which colleges to send it to).

A financial aid award is the offer of money for college that you are getting from that college or university. Make sure to read each offer carefully and contact the college with any questions you have. It’s important to understand what is being offered in scholarships and grants (money for college you do not have to pay back), loans (money for college you do have to pay back over time) and work study (money for college you earn through an on campus job).

Step 2: Apply for Scholarships

Applying for scholarships is extremely important! The money you get from scholarships can help fill gaps from government grants or loans and can help you pay for tuition, room and board, transportation, even a computer if you need one!

Some scholarships are based on financial need, others are based on specific skills, achievements or interests that you have. 

Applying for scholarships can seem overwhelming at first and the sheer number of scholarship options means many students don’t apply for any! Don’t make this mistake….start the summer before your senior year and keep track of scholarships you want to apply to and their requirements. 

If you’re undocumented, check out this page for information about scholarships for undocumented students.

A few places to get started looking for scholarships:

  • Fastweb – create a profile and have it match you with scholarships you may be elible for
  • Washboard – here you also create a profile and then look for scholarships that you may be eligible for. This is for students in Washington State
  • Washington Opportunity Scholarship – scholarship for students interested in high demand careers in Washington State
  • Scholarship Junkies – another excellent resource for matching with scholarships that are perfect for you
  • Your high school’s counseling office or college and career center – look for local scholarships which give you an even higher chance of winning!
  • Your employer or your parents employer

Step 3: Apply for Scholarships at the Colleges you apply to

Some colleges have their own scholarship website where you can apply for additional money for college from that institution.

Not all colleges have a specific scholarship site, many determine your eligibility for additional money as part of the application process and through your FAFSA or WASFA. It’s important to check on this since some colleges require an additional application.