WASHINGTON - Even though Washington State has historically had low financial aid completion rates, with our region ranking among the lowest in the state, the state has some of the most robust student aid programs in the nation.

As the 2025-2026 FAFSA application opened late September, many incoming students have yet to sign up for financial aid that could change their lives.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is essential for postsecondary education funding.

This aid can come from work-study programs, grants and loans. Some of these aid routes need to be paid back, others do not.

Washington ranks in the bottom five for financial aid applications, despite having major state grants and scholarships available.

Colleen Hall, Columbia Basin College's Assistant Director

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