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 immigration status.

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

Important note: the new FAFSA form, released in Jan. 2024, is experiencing ongoing issues and errors. Learn more before you get started >

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

Everyone who will be providing information on your FAFSA form (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) will need to create a FSA ID.

Create your FSA ID >

2. Gather IDs and documents

Gather the documents required to submit the FAFSA: FSA IDs, your parents’ Social Security Numbers if you’re a dependent student, tax returns, records of child support received, current balances of bank accounts, and net worth of investments, businesses, and farm.

3. Complete the FAFSA and await confirmation

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

Check the status of your form by logging into your StudentAid.gov account and selecting your FAFSA submission from the My Activity section of your account Dashboard. You will also receive an email to learn when your FAFSA information has been sent to your selected schools.

You will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary after your FAFSA form is processed and will have the opportunity to make corrections if needed.

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 >

Need help?

Contact the One Stop.

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? Contact the One Stop.

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 >

Need help?

Contact the One Stop.

Submit your Financial Aid application by the deadline to receive your award before the tuition due date.

Priority Deadlines

  • Summer 2024: May 31, 2024
  • Fall 2024: August 16, 2024 
  • Winter 2024: December 6, 2024 
  • Spring 2025: March 7, 2025

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.

Get the latest FAFSA updates!

FAFSA Updates