What is FAFSA & WAFSA?

FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” The FAFSA is a free form that students fill out to apply for federal financial aid, and is also used by other organizations to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.

WAFSA is the Washington Application for State Financial Aid and is required for state need-based scholarships and grants.

Because ESD-U is an alternative route certification program, not part of a college or university, we do not have an institutional code used by FAFSA/WAFSA. However, that does not mean that you will not qualify for state financial aid! When you complete the FAFSA and/or WAFSA (as required by the grant or scholarship for which you are applying), simply have the report sent to yourself. ESD-U does not use financial need as a basis for our internal grants. The eligibility determined by FAFSA/WAFSA will be used only by the source of the grant or scholarship.

If you receive a grant or scholarship from the State of Washington, we will work with you to ensure that the proceeds are credited to your ESD-U account.