Scholarships & Financial Aid Resources
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Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information and Filing Events
Do you need money for college? Get the help you need to complete the FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application. Join one or more of the virtual events listed on this document to learn more and get help: Financial Aid Completion Events (Google Doc)
Washington State Achievement Council
WSAC helps explain financial aid in simple terms with links to more complex topics. https://www.wsac.wa.gov
Text WSAC's Otter for Financial Aid Help
Sign up for text messages to get information and help applying for financial aid as you get ready for college. Text 360-928-7281 and write "Hi Otter" to start. Learn more at https://wsac.wa.gov/otterbotHelpful videos & presentations on financial aid
- 2022 Financial Aid Presentation Slide Deck by SPSCC (PDF)
- Creating an FSA ID (YouTube)
- Filling out the FAFSA Form (YouTube)
- FAFSA line by line (YouTube)
Other helpful websites
- https://studentaid.gov/ - This site provides comprehensive details about the federal student aid programs.
- https://studentloans.net/resources/ - This site provides comprehensive information on student loan news, so borrowers can stay informed.
- https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines - Financial Aid Application Deadlines for Specific States
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Latest Scholarship List
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FAFSA
Parents/Guardians of the class of 2024 seniors pursuing post-secondary education after high school should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before June 30, 2024. More information: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Below are four helpful presentations & videos:
- 2022 Financial Aid Presentation Slide Deck by SPSCC (PDF)
- Creating an FSA ID (YouTube)
- Filling out the FAFSA form (YouTube)
- FAFSA line by line (YouTube)
Scholarship Information
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An updated scholarship list is emailed to seniors and their parents/guardians every Friday.
Other Resources
- https://washboard.wsac.wa.gov/ - Washboard is a clearing house of hundreds of Washington state scholarships. Students need to create an account, and based on the criteria the student puts in, Washboard will email scholarship applications that might be a good fit for the student.
- https://www.fastweb.com/ - This website offers a customized search of over 600,000 scholarships and over 4000 colleges.
- Colleges and universities offer their own scholarships! Check out each college website on how to apply.
- https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/ - Some out-of-state universities participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE) scholarship program. Students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools, compared with nonresident rates, which can exceed 250% of in-state rates. University WUE requirements may vary so be sure to read the fine print before committing to a college. Also, make sure to check all college/university deadlines.
- https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound - The College Bound Scholarship is a financial need scholarship for eligible students who enroll in middle school and meet the pledge requirements. The scholarship covers average tuition at public college rates, some fees & a small book allowance at over 65 colleges, universities, and technical colleges in Washington.
- https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg - The Washington State College Grant (WCG) is available to eligible Washington residents, including undocumented students. Amounts vary based on income, family size, and school or program cost.
- Look locally - There are many scholarships offered by non-profit organizations within Thurston County. These scholarships have a smaller pool of applicants, which makes the chances of receiving a scholarship greater. Every year, many Timberline students receive some of these scholarships. Be sure to watch for these scholarships on the weekly scholarship list. (They usually open up after the new year)
Examples of local scholarships
- North Thurston Education Foundation
- Olympia Tumwater Foundation
- Lacey Rotary Service Above Self award
- Lacey Sunrise Lions
- The Community Foundation
- Timberline Booster Club
- Lakes Elementary
Avoid Scholarship Scams!
Going to college can be expensive, and scammers often take advantage of this by offering help with paying for tuition.
Signs of a Scholarship Scam:
- Paying a fee to apply for a scholarship. Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship.
- If a company asks for a checking account or credit card information to "confirm eligibility," walk away. Never give bank or credit information to the company.
- Beware of any scholarship service that 'guarantees' you will win a scholarship, or they'll refund your money.
More information on avoiding scholarship scams: https://finaid.org/scholarships/scams/