Students Encouraged to Attend FAFSA-WASFA Fest Oct. 12–13
PULLMAN, Wash.— Washington State University students are encouraged to learn about the detailed processes involved to apply for financial aid at the seventh annual “FAFSA-WASFA Fest” on the afternoons of Oct. 12 and 13.
The event is from 3:00-5:30 p.m. each day, with student peer experts and staff available in the Commons Student Center Room 210 on the WSU Pullman campus, as well as virtually via Zoom. Interested students can also schedule a private session. Pizza will be available for all attending in person, and everyone is eligible for door prizes.
Collaborating to co-host the event are the Office of Academic Engagement’s College Affordability Programs, Student Financial Services, and the Carson Edge program in the Carson College of Business.
“At the sessions, we will explain FAFSA and WASFA forms that need to be submitted each year, and go over what additional documentation is required,” said Kelly Demand, director of College Affordability Programs.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is for current and prospective college students in the U.S. who want to determine their eligibility for federal aid. WASFA (Washington Application for State Aid) is for those who don’t file a federal FAFSA and are applying for state aid, including undocumented students or those who don’t qualify for federal financial aid for other reasons.
“Attending FAFSA-WASFA Fest now will give as many students as possible and their families about six weeks to accumulate documents and prepare the FAFSA and WASFA forms before the filing deadline in late November,” said Demand.
“Our goal is to help the students self-advocate, and by starting early they can help make the process as stress-free as possible.” Students can ask confidential questions and also schedule a private session to talk further about questions and requirements. Completing and submitting one or the other of the forms is one step in helping students begin to accumulate the proper paperwork necessary to be considered for loans, some scholarships, grants, work study, and waivers.
Media contact:
Kelly Demand, Director of College Affordability Programs, OAE, kdemand@wsu.edu
