Step #2 Determining Your Financial Need

So here’s the deal...federal financial aid programs were established on the premise that the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses rests with you and your family. But if you’re like many of our students, you need assistance with paying educational expenses. We encourage you, regardless of your income, to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

What’s the Cost of Attendance? Our office establishes student expense budgets to provide you and your family with a reasonable estimate of your cost of attendance at Washington State. You can see that these estimates are also used in the above formula to calculate financial aid eligibility. Click here for more information on student budgets at WSCO.

The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution is considered financial need

Our office will assist you and your family in trying to meet your financial need by offering a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities. If you have no financial need, you’re still eligible to be considered for non-need-based scholarships and loans.