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College & Career Training

Want More Money and More Options? Get More Education Beyond High School.

Even in uncertain times, you can secure a better future! A college degree, certificate, or other training beyond high school can lead to a good job, higher wages and more. Financial aid helps make college or training affordable. Financial aid applications are now available for the 2022-23 school year. Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid at wsac.wa.gov/apply

Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college or job training. Many families assume they won’t qualify, but there’s more help available than ever before. This year, a family of four making up to $102,000 can qualify for financial aid in Washington. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply. In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid: 

Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid. 

The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application for state financial aid only. The WASFA is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.

Why apply for college or training? Adults with a college degree or certificate are:

More likely to enjoy their work.
Can change careers more easily.
Less likely to be unemployed.
Live longer, healthier lives.
Earn around $1 million more over their career than high school graduates!

Need to start working sooner than later? Move beyond minimum wage with an apprenticeship, technical college or other job training. Even a one-year program at a community college or technical college can increase your future earnings. Explore apprenticeship - you earn while you learn. In many cases, apprentices can get paid to work and use financial aid to cover out-of-pocket costs like tuition, fees, and materials.

Put your passion to work. More education means more job stability and higher earnings. For life.

Learn more and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

The Washington Student Achievement Council is a resource for information about financial aid, college and career planning, and more. Check out their new College and Career Compass.

College & Career Compass can help you plan for life after high school. You've probably been thinking about what the current public health and economic crisis means for your future. While the present is uncertain, one thing is clear: education beyond high school is more important than ever.  

Continuing your education after high school gives you more options. Research shows college graduates earn more and are less likely to be unemployed. Luckily, there’s a great new tool available to help you prepare and plan for the future—and it’s free!

Explore educational programs that match your career interests. 

Learn more about the value of college and how financial aid can help you pay for a certificate, apprenticeship, or degree. Connect with a campus to get additional support. 

Don’t be discouraged. Stay motivated, get ready, and focus on the future. College & Career Compass makes it easy. Learn more at compass.wsac.wa.gov

Washington Student Achievement Council:

917 Lakeridge Way SW
P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 753-7800
www.wsac.wa.gov

 

 

You can get job training

Do you enjoy hands-on learning? Are you hoping to join the workforce somewhat soon? You may want to, career program, or apprenticeship.