Apply for Financial Aid

SPSCC encourages all students to apply for financial aid. This is your way to access free money for college that doesn't need to be paid back. Most students qualify for some level of aid!

Student sits in green chair typing on laptop

Financial Aid Funds Your Education

To find out how much free money for college you qualify for, fill out the FAFSA or WASFA.

These free applications for financial aid are important to determine what financial awards, grants, and loans you can receive from the federal or state government.

Note: Complete the WASFA (not the FAFSA) if you are undocumented or not eligible for the FAFSA due to immigation status.

You can submit the FAFSA starting on October 1 each year for the next academic year.

Need help? Request a Financial Aid support appointment or watch the How to Fill Out the FAFSA video.

1. Create your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)

Your FSA ID allows you to submit your FAFSA like an e-signature. If you are a dependent, one of your parents must also create an FSA ID and use it to co-sign your FAFSA.

Create your FSA ID >

2. Gather IDs and documents.

Gather the documents required to submit the FAFSA: FSA IDs, Social Security Numbers (including a parent if you're a dependent), federal income statements, W-2s, bank statements, and brokerage statements.

3. Submit the FAFSA and await confirmation.

Complete the application and use the SPSCC school code 005372 when you submit.

Within 3-5 days, FAFSA will email you your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will identify if there were errors in your application. It will also let you know if you've been randomly selected for "verification". Correct any errors or call 1-800-4-FEDAID if you need your SAR re-sent.

Tip: Don't worry if you're selected for "verification". This is common and is not a reflection on you or your financial status.

Submit the FAFSA >

4. Watch for Financial Aid updates in ctcLink.

SPSCC Student Financial Services will send notifications to your SPSCC email address. Using ctcLink, navigate to the "Financial Aid" tile to view your FAFSA status, required documentation, and financial aid award information.

Note: You will need to review and accept your financial award in ctcLink.

Log in to ctcLink >

Undocumented students and students who are not eligible to submit the FAFSA because of their immigration status should submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Examples of state aid are the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, State Work Study, and more.

Need help? Request a Financial Aid support appointment.

1. Confirm that you're eligible to complete the WASFA.

If you're not sure if you should complete the FAFSA or WASFA, complete the WASFA Eligibility Questionnaire.

Note: You must meet the Washington State residency requirements.

2. Create a WASFA user account.

If this is your first time completing the WASFA, you will need to create a WASFA user account.

3. Submit the WASFA and await confirmation.

Log into the WASFA portal and complete the application.

4. Watch for Financial Aid updates in ctcLink.

SPSCC Student Financial Services will send notifications to your SPSCC email address. Using ctcLink, navigate to the "Financial Aid" tile to view your WASFA application status and financial aid award information.

Note: You will need to review and accept your financial award in ctcLink.

Log in to ctcLink >

Submit your Financial Aid application by the deadline in order to receive your award in time for the tuition due date.

Priority Deadlines

Spring 2023: January 20, 2023
Summer 2023: TBD
Fall 2023: TBD
Winter 2024: TBD

If you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply for Financial Aid as soon as possible. You may still be awarded aid for the quarter you plan to start.