If you’ve been thinking about going to college to master a trade or earn your degree, there’s no better time than now.
This December, the U.S. Department of Education released a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024–2025 school year. The new FAFSA expands eligibility for student aid—including Pell Grants, which don’t have to be repaid. So even if you weren’t eligible before, you might be now.
Filling out a financial aid application is also the gateway to programs like Walla Walla Community College’s Warrior Pledge program, which can cover tuition costs not paid by other financial aid. It can fill the gap for eligible students so that money doesn’t have to be a barrier to your education.
Here are two important tips to remember as you get started.
Tip 1: Give yourself plenty of time.
This year, WWCC is moving to a new financial aid cycle. Funding for the 2024–2025 school year will start in Summer Quarter. That means if you want to start school in the summer or fall, the priority deadline to apply for financial aid is May 1.
Because the FAFSA is new this year, it’s especially important to start your application early. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to gather the info you’ll need and work through any roadblocks.
Tip 2: Don’t go it alone! We’re here to help.
WWCC’s financial aid specialists are here to help you every step of the way.
Students who’ve already graduated from high school and are planning to attend WWCC can reach out to WWCC’s advisors and navigators for help completing the FAFSA and finding other sources of financial aid. Call 509.527.4262 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
Students who are currently in high school in the Walla Walla area and are planning on attending any college can get help from Financial Aid Outreach Specialist Marisol Luengas-Maya. Mari speaks English and Spanish. She can help you set up your accounts, work through the FAFSA and locate other sources of financial aid.
You can meet with Mari on any of her regular days at area high schools. You can find her on:
- Mondays at Lincoln High School.
- Tuesdays at College Place High School.
- Wednesdays at Walla Walla High School.
- Thursdays (as needed) at Prescott High School.
Or you can set up a one-on-one appointment with Mari on WWCC’s Walla Walla Campus. Just call 509.296.9642 or email [email protected].
A college education can open doors to a better life. And there are resources out there to help cover your costs. Do it now—for your family and your future!