SPOKANE, Wash. — Students from low-income families will soon have their college tuition guaranteed as early as their sophomore year in high school.
Completing the FAFSA is one of the most accurate predictors of whether a high school senior will go to college, according to the National College Attainment Network. However, for many, that may not result in enough aid for students to pursue higher education.
One Washington organization passed a law that will take the guesswork out of this transition.
“There’s no better investment than in education and training,” said Michael Meotti, the executive director for the Washington Student Achievement Council.
The council proposed a new law to simplify this transition for low-income families. Starting in January of 2026, students from families receiving SNAP food benefits will be guaranteed the maximum Pell Grant, even before they apply for FAFSA. This will completely cover the tuition of public colleges in Washington.
“It doesn’t change the program in any way other than giving you that certainty in 10th grade,” Meotti said. “It’s something that you were ultimately find out in 12th grade, but we were afraid we’d lose you along the way.”
Meotti said that guaranteeing tuition earlier allows families crucial time to plan for their child’s future.
“We want to get the word out to even younger students, particularly parents and family members in seventh, eighth and ninth grade, because that can give them a leg up or even more time to be thinking about how to do this and plan for this,” Meotti said.
Washington Senator Patty Murray is also urging parents and students to make sure they complete the federal student aid application, saying students missed out on $65 million in grants last year simply because applications were not filled out.
“Take advantage of every penny of federal grants available to you,” Sen. Murray said. “Fill the FAFSA out. It’s quick, it’s easy and thousands of dollars in federal grants could be just ten minutes away.”
The council said it hopes families still apply for financial aid, which could help pay for books or housing. But if for some reason they can’t fill out the FAFSA, tuition is covered.
The FAFSA application is currently open. You can find out more information here.
