Step #3 How to Apply for Financial Aid
FAFSA Information
To be considered for most forms of financial aid awarded by our office, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Washington State College of Ohio Federal School Code is 010453.
To ensure maximum financial aid eligibility, complete the FAFSA no later than March 15 each year. The FAFSA now uses income from an earlier tax year, eliminating the need to wait or delay the completion of your FAFSA!
What to File
The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA completion for the current and upcoming years, and the tax information required.
| Semester You Plan to Attend | You will submit this FAFSA | You Can Submit the FAFSA | Using Income & Tax Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | 2023-2024 FAFSA | NOW | 2021 |
| Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 | 2024-2025 FAFSA | Opens December 31, 2023 | 2022 |
File Early
There are a few federal student aid programs that have limited funds, so be sure to apply as soon as the FAFSA is available. You can file your FAFSA each year as early as October 1 for the following Fall semester.
Benefits of Completing Your FAFSA Earlier
- Your federal financial aid will be finalized and you can search for need-based scholarships.
- Maximize your eligibility for certain need-based programs with limited funding.
- Time to make more informed financial decisions!
FAFSA Resources/Workshops
View a collection of videos to assist you and your parent(s) in completing the FAFSA, along with other additional financial aid information! This includes how to complete the FAFSA using the new myStudentAid mobile app and more!
The Office of Financial Aid host various FAFSA Completion Workshops for students throughout the year. Please stay tuned to the WSCO Facebook Page for future events or contact the office directly at 740.568.1908.
Other Information
Students and parents also need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to electronically sign federal student aid documents, including the FAFSA.
Additional information on how to complete the FAFSA is available through the 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: A Student's Guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid tutorial.
Washington State College of Ohio offers generous scholarship opportunities to students. To be considered for a scholarship through WSCO or the WSCO Foundation, students must complete a scholarship application, in addition to their FAFSA.
If your financial situation has changed significantly from the information provided on the FAFSA, please contact our office. We may be able to reassess your family's eligibility in the event of a loss of job or income, divorce, death in the family, or other special circumstance.