Financial Aid 

Financial aid can help make college, career training, and other education after high school more affordable.

Financial aid applications open on October 1 each year. All seniors planning to continue their education after graduation are encouraged to complete a financial aid application, even if they aren't sure where they will attend or whether they will qualify for aid.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and student loans. In Washington, completing the FAFSA also allows eligible students to be considered for state financial aid.

Before beginning, students and other required contributors, such as a parent, may need to create their own StudentAid.gov accounts. Because the application requirements can vary by family, review the official FAFSA instructions to find out what information you will need.

Learn about and complete the FAFSA

WASFA

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) provides access to Washington state financial aid for students who choose not to complete the federal FAFSA. Students who have already completed the FAFSA generally do not need to complete the WASFA unless instructed to do so by their college or program.

Learn about and complete the WASFA

Don’t stop with financial aid! Scholarships can provide additional money for college or career training that does not need to be repaid. Explore the scholarship resources below.

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Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to help pay for education after high school because they do not have to be repaid. Thousands of scholarships are available based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, leadership, activities, career interests, talents, background, and many other factors.

Students can begin searching and applying for scholarships while they are applying to colleges and other education or training programs. Be sure to check application requirements and deadlines carefully.

For help finding scholarships or completing applications, contact your school counselor or the MHS College & Career Center.

Find Scholarships

• The local Monroe Public Schools Foundation community scholarship application will open in November 2026. Through one application, student applicants open the door to many local scholarship opportunities from community organizations, businesses, staff, and community members. 
• theWashBoard.org – A free scholarship-matching site for Washington students.
• GEAR UP Washington Scholarships – Scholarship resources and opportunities for Washington students.
• BigFuture Scholarship Search – Search scholarships and other ways to help pay for college.
• Fastweb – Create a profile and search for scholarships that match your interests and qualifications.
• Scholarships.com – Search a large database of scholarship opportunities.
• Washington State Opportunity Scholarship – Scholarship opportunities for eligible Washington students pursuing high-demand fields, including STEM, health care, and the trades.

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Other Ways to Reduce College Costs

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) allows eligible students to attend participating public colleges and universities in western states at reduced tuition rates. Eligibility, participating schools, programs, and tuition savings vary by institution.

Washington State Financial Aid

Scholarships are only one source of financial assistance. Washington students may also qualify for state financial aid, including:

• Washington College Grant – Provides money for eligible students to attend college, pursue career training, or complete an apprenticeship. Students generally access this aid by completing the FAFSA or WASFA rather than submitting a separate Washington College Grant application.

• College Bound Scholarship – state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school or 9th grade. Students should complete a federal or state financial aid application (FAFSA or WASFA).