The FAFSA is officially open! Tips for this important college step.
If you’re in the middle of applying to colleges (or getting ready to start), chances are you’ve heard about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA is one of the best ways to make sure colleges, including PLU, can put together a financial aid package tailored just for you.
The FAFSA for financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year is officially open and we’ve got some tips to help you complete this important form:
1. Create your FAFSA Account
Students and parents will need to create their own account to complete the FAFSA.
2. Gather the info you’ll need for the FAFSA
Look for the ‘What do I need?’ section on the FAFSA website. Once you have that info and your log-in, it should take only about 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA!
3. Don’t forget to list your colleges
Part of the FAFSA form will ask you which schools you want to send your FAFSA information to. Add any school you’re planning on applying to, even if you haven’t applied yet!
4. Go back and edit if you need to
If information changes, or you can’t complete the FAFSA in one sitting, you can go back into your form and edit! The important thing is to get started. Some schools (and some states) have deadlines to complete the FAFSA in order to be fully considered for financial aid – make sure you’re tracking those deadlines.
Need more information or have additional questions? This page on the FAFSA site answers a lot of FAQs. You can also connect with your PLU Admission Counselor for questions about the FAFSA and financial aid.
For Washington State Residents
If you’re a Washington state resident who isn’t able to fill out the FAFSA (such as undocumented students), you can complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) to be considered for state-based financial aid. The 2026-27 WASFA form is also now open!
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