FAQs
Do I complete the FAFSA or the WASFA?
A U.S. citizen or national; A citizen of the Freely Associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands; or a U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen (typically determined through the Department of Social and Human Services or Social Security Administration) will complete the FAFSA.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application such as those without proper documentation or those repaying federal loans, and family members who do not want to file the FAFSA for Other personal reasons.
I didn’t need to file taxes last year, what do I do?
We recommend that your family file a 4506-T to document your record of non-tax filing.
When can I apply for financial aid?
You must apply for financial aid each academic year you plan to attend class.
Use the 2024-2025 FAFSA/WASFA for FALL 2024, Winter 2025, and Spring 2025. Students wishing to take classes over the summer must also complete a summer aid request form, available on our website during the Spring quarter.
I support myself. Do I have to include my parent(s) income information on the FAFSA/WASFA?
Yes, students typically will provide parent information until they reach 24 years of age, this is considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes. There are some unique circumstances that allow a student to apply without parent information. For more questions, please contact Financial Aid.
How can I check my financial aid status?
Check for any outstanding requirements in your ctcLink Task List and submit them to our office. When your application is complete and reviewed in the order it was received, you will find any eligible financial aid awards in your ctcLink Financial Aid Tile.
I've submitted a document, what’s next?
Thank you for helping us complete your financial aid application. Please monitor your ctcLink for the status of your document’s verification and review (it may take up to 10 business days for you to see changes reflected in your account). You can check the status of your application via the Financial Aid tab in ctcLink.
I have submitted all required items but haven’t received my Award Letter. When will I receive my Award Letter?
We ask for at least 10 business days to process an update to your financial aid application and 90 days to process your financial aid application once it has been completed. You can check the status of your application via the Financial Aid tab in ctcLink.
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
While there is no official deadline to apply for financial aid, You should apply 90 days before the quarter starts to allow appropriate time for your financial aid application to be processed. We recommend students explore self pay options such as our NelNet payment plan.
What if I want to take classes at another institution
To be granted consideration of your financial funds applying to courses taken at another institution, you will need to complete a consortium agreement. We heavily recommend you meet with your advisor (if you haven’t already) to solidify your academic plans and submit this at least three weeks before the quarter begins. Please note you may have to pay tuition at your host school before financial aid funds are disbursed.
What if I fail or withdraw from a class?
If you withdraw from courses after the withdrawal deadline, receive an unsatisfactory grade, you may need to complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal in order to explain what affected your ability to perform well in your classes.
How do I accept or decline loans or workstudy?
For students who want a loan, the first step is to accept the loan in ctcLink and then complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. Students can also accept or decline loans or workstudy. Here is a helpful guide: https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/sites/seattlecolleges.southseattle.edu/files/2021-11/ctcLink-student-accept-or-decline-financial-aid-award-desktop.pdf