Welcome Big Bend DREAMers!

State Financial Aid information for current and returning DREAMer Vikings:

REAL Hope: Raising Educational Access, Changing Lives

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or the WASFA, is now available for DREAMer students to apply for Washington College Grant funds. The application can be accessed on ReadySetGrad.org/WASFA, and students should submit it as soon as possible.

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The REAL Hope Act (SB6523), also known as the Washington Dream Act (February 2014), expanded eligibility for the Washington College Grant to non-citizens who meet the program’s eligibility requirements in addition to three residency criteria.  A new senate bill, Senate Bill 5194 (July 2021), makes it easier for all Washingtonians, including and especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for in-state (resident) tuition and state financial aid.  To qualify, students must meet all the following requirements:

  1. Earn a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before their first term at the college determining residency.
  2. Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before their first term at the college determining residency.
  3. Sign an affidavit (written promise) saying they meet the above requirements and that one of the following is true:
    1. They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply. And, that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses or
    2. They are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
  • *Students granted deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) must also complete and sign the affidavit.
  • The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has developed a state application for students who are unable to complete a FAFSA due to immigration status.
  • This free application—known as the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)—is now available for students to complete online at readysetgrad.org/wasfa.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to file the WASFA as soon as possible for the 2022-23 academic year.

How Often to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility requirements for REAL Hope should plan on filing a WASFA every year they are in college. Once you apply, the participating Washington college(s) you select will use the financial information provided in the WASFA to determine your eligibility to receive the Washington College Grant.

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