The 2024-25 FAFSA is the most significant revamping of the financial aid form since the 1980s. The U.S. Department of Education estimates the 2024-25 FAFSA will help 610,000 new students from low-income backgrounds receive federal Pell Grants and 1.5 million more students receive the maximum amount. However, significant delays with the U.S. Department of Education's rollout of the new FAFSA is affecting every college and university in the country, including all 34 Washington community and technical colleges.

This webpage contains resources to support college professionals as they navigate this historic turning point in federal financial aid.

This free college-planning publication provides students and families with important information and tools to guide their pursuit of postsecondary education. Opportunities guides are available in English and Spanish. The state-specific booklets are the same as the national booklets with the addition of state-specific information on colleges, financial aid and resources.

This is an annual resource and is updated and printed each year.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

La creación de una ID de FSA es el primer paso para completar la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) en línea, que es la forma más rápida y fácil de presentar la solicitud. Cada estudiante y al menos uno de los padres deben tener una ID de FSA única para firmar electrónicamente la FAFSA. El nombre de usuario y la contraseña de ID de FSA se usan para firmar electrónicamente la FAFSA y otros documentos

importantes para la ayuda financiera. También le permite acceder a su cuenta en línea de la Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FSA). Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para ayudarle a crear una ID de FSA.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Creating an FSA ID is the first step to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, which is the quickest and easiest way to submit the application. Each student and their parent(s) must have a unique FSA ID in order to electronically sign the FAFSA. The FSA ID username and password are used to electronically sign the FAFSA and other important financial aid paperwork. It also grants you access to your online Federal Student Aid (FSA) account. Use this worksheet to help create an FSA ID.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Students will be able to
- Explain the role the FAFSA plays in the financial aid process
- Understand the importance of submitting the FAFSA
- Apply for the FAFSA
- Identify misconceptions and challenges students have that prevent them from submitting the FAFSA
- Read a Student Aid Report (SAR) and understand the role of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

To be considered for any type of aid—grant, scholarship, or loan—all aspiring post-secondary students must complete a FAFSA. This video provides a general overview of the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA.

As you plan and prepare for college, these checklists will help keep you on track throughout the process. The checklists highlight important aspects to focus on during each season of the year, including tips for both money and time management, and college and career planning.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Students will demonstrate the ability to explain five potential ways to pay for school, including detailing the four outcomes of the FAFSA and the 529 Plan.

Class Time Needed: Approx 45 min.

Mientras planificas y te preparas para la universidad, estas listas de verificación te ayudarán a mantenerte encaminado durante todo el proceso. Las listas de verificación destacan aspectos importantes en los que centrarse durante cada estación del año, incluidos consejos para la gestión del dinero y del tiempo, y la planificación universitaria y profesional.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Mientras planificas y te preparas para la universidad, estas listas de verificación te ayudarán a mantenerte encaminado durante todo el proceso. Las listas de verificación destacan aspectos importantes en los que centrarse durante cada estación del año, incluidos consejos para la gestión del dinero y del tiempo, y la planificación universitaria y profesional.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Mientras planificas y te preparas para la universidad, estas listas de verificación te ayudarán a mantenerte encaminado durante todo el proceso. Las listas de verificación destacan aspectos importantes en los que centrarse durante cada estación del año, incluidos consejos para la gestión del dinero y del tiempo, y la planificación universitaria y profesional.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

Mientras planificas y te preparas para la universidad, estas listas de verificación te ayudarán a mantenerte encaminado durante todo el proceso. Las listas de verificación destacan aspectos importantes en los que centrarse durante cada estación del año, incluidos consejos para la gestión del dinero y del tiempo, y la planificación universitaria y profesional.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

College is an Investment
We want to be sure you get your time and money's worth and graduate with little to no debt.

There's money out there to help you pay for college — some of it you may not have to pay back — and we want to help you get it.

In this section, we'll walk you through:
How much college costs and what your money goes to
How to get money for college
The kind of money that's available
Descriptions and links to funding programs
Whether your goal is to get started on a bachelor's degree and transfer, or to train for an in-demand job, you'll get an outstanding education for the lowest tuition.

Note: This is a Washington resource but has many resources that are useful for Oregon and Idaho students.

Overview: Students will be able to
- Identify the quantitative and qualitative benefits of going to college
- Explain the importance of researching expected starting salaries when choosing a college and major
- Understand common costs associated with college
- Explain the difference between sticker price and net price
- Have a conversation with their parents or guardians about paying for college

As you plan and prepare for college, these checklists will help keep you on track throughout the process. The checklists highlight important aspects to focus on during each season of the year, including tips for both money and time management, and college and career planning.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook

As you plan and prepare for college, these checklists will help keep you on track throughout the process. The checklists highlight important aspects to focus on during each season of the year, including tips for both money and time management, and college and career planning.

For more information about this and related resources, visit https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/student-resources/opportunities-guide-and-workbook