Financial Aid explained! Washington State requires all seniors and their families to attend Financial Aid Advising sessions - Orting High School offers one each fall:

When: Thursday, October 20th at 6:00PM - here is the link to this virtual meeting!

• If you are unable to attend the above session, please see the upcoming Financial Aid 101 recordings after our Financial Aid Advising sessions.
• The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is also hosting virtual Financial Aid Advising Events - see the flyers below for all the details!
  12th Year Campaign Financial Aid Advising Events
  Parent and Caregiver Financial Aid Event

The FAFSA Section-by-Section tutorial is a great resource before starting the FAFSA.

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA opens each year on October 1, and all seniors can apply by visiting the website to create a FAFSA ID. You'll need an FAFSA ID for both the student and the parent.

The WASFA is Washington State's free application for student aid for undocumented students. The WASFA opens each year on October 1. Please visit the Ready, Set, Grad website for eligiblity information and to apply! Please review their flyer as well.

Washington State has a new grant! The Washington College Grant is accessed by completing the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Great resource! How to apply for financial aid by The Washington Student Acheivement Council (WSAC) 

Many families have been affected financially by the pandemic among other things - if you didn't get enough financial aid for college, it's okay to ask for an appeal. SwiftStudent offers free guidance on how to request more money from your college. 

Local Workshops:

Senior families! If you need help with the FAFSA, Pierce College has several evening workshops available. Simply email them to get their dates/times! Also, don't forget your local OHS resource, Ms. Nelson - simply email her to make an appointment!

Did you know? Financial aid is a 5-step process! See this website for details

 Resources:

Videos

In English:
FAFSA Explained Video
Create a FAFSA ID Video
FAFSA ID and Tips for Parents Video

In Spanish: 
What is the FAFSA?
Completing the 2020 FAFSA
 

Websites

In English:
FAFSA resources directly from their website (in English and Spanish)
Sallie Mae Resources
FAFSA 4caster for Underclassmen
7-things you need to know before filling out the FAFSA
Mapping Your Future - understanding college financial aid award letters in association with the FAFSA and other types of financial aid (loans, scholarships etc.)
The MyinTuition site provides a tool to give families clear answers to college costs
Student Loans Explained

In Spanish: 
FAFSA Process 

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. This financial assistance covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are several types of financial aid:

1. Federal and State grants (money you don't pay back)
2. Scholarships - can be local, through the college of attendance, and nationwide (money you don't pay back)
3. Work study (money you earn; can directly help pay for tuition, or student can earn a paycheck)
4. Loans (money you pay back)

Financial aid awards may include a combination of the various types of aid.

There are numerous online resources explaining financial aid. Here are just a few:

• What to expect in the Financial Aid Award Letter after FAFSA/WAFSA completion 

• Types of financial aid: Money for College Explained 

• Paying for College handout

• How to read your financial aid award letter: Mapping Your Future

• Determining the cost of attendance (COA): Cost of Attendance

• Cost of Attendance Comparison

• Sallie Mae has a great webpage, Paying for College - it covers the FAFSA, financial aid, college cost of attendance and much more! 

Family financial circumstances can change from the tax filing year noted within the FAFSA, to the actual year the student begins college. There are ways to receive more aid by filing an appeal with the college's financial aid office. Here are some steps on how to appeal a financial aid award.

Swiftforms offers templates for Financial Aid Award Appeals based on family circumstances!

Also, please visit the 12th Year - Financial Aid Award Appeals

Don't forget your college's financial aid resources - All colleges have financial aid officers on staff. Simply search the financial aid website of your college to get help.

The Orting School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Debi Christensen, Title IX Coordinator & Civil Rights Coordinator, 360-893-6500 x243, christensend@orting. wednet.edu; Chris Willis, Section 504 Coordinator, 360-893-6500 x233 willisc@orting.wednet.edu, 121 Whitesell Street NE, Orting, WA 98360.