WA governor wants to boost states low rate of federal student aid applications

Governor Bob Ferguson launched the Washington Completes FAFSA Campaign to address the low completion rates of federal student aid applications among high school seniors. In 2025, Washington ranked 47th in the nation, with only 45. 3% of graduating seniors completing the FAFSA, despite nearly half of households qualifying for aid. Ferguson stated that financial aid is crucial for enabling access to college and other training programs. The campaign will establish an advisory board responsible for setting annual FAFSA completion goals starting with the 2026-27 school year.

This board will include students, educators, and representatives from higher education and nonprofit sectors. The Washington Student Achievement Council will provide schools with training and resources, leveraging an AI chatbot to assist families in the application process. Tracking FAFSA completion data will help identify gaps, particularly for low-income students. The initiative underscores the importance of financial aid in helping students achieve economic mobility post-graduation.