Governor Ferguson proposes requiring FAFSA or WAFSA completion for high-school graduation in Washington

Governor Ferguson announced at Highline College that he will introduce legislation in the next state legislative session to require all high-school students in Washington to complete the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state WAFSA as a condition of graduation, while preserving an opt-out for students who decline to complete the form.

The governor said the change is intended to boost awareness and uptake of state and federal financial aid that can make college or job training affordable. "This won't hold someone up from graduating, but we wanna make sure that more young people are taking advantage of the significant financial aid that Washington State provides," he said. He cited the Washington College Grant and other need-based aid as programs that can dramatically lower out-of-pocket costs for many families.

State officials noted Washington’s recent improvement on FAFSA completion but said more progress is needed. Ferguson said Washington moved from 47th to 40th among states after an executive order created a work group to improve outreach, but added that "40th is not gonna get the job done." He pointed to districts that already require FAFSA/WAFSA — Federal Way, College Place, North Beach and Lummi — and noted higher completion rates in those districts as evidence the requirement raises filings.

Highline College’s president (name not provided in the transcript) told the audience that completing the FAFSA or WAFSA is "the first step" toward accessing Washington College Grant, Pell Grants and other supports that help students enroll and complete credentials. A representative of the Washington Roundtable, speaking for many employers, said increasing credential attainment is essential for the state’s workforce and supported the governor’s approach.

Student leaders also voiced support. "Making FAFSA completion part of the graduation process could require schools to really introduce students to an option they may have already dismissed as financially impossible," said Eva Ktrani, president of the Washington Student Association, who described filing as pivotal to her own ability to pursue higher education.

Officials addressed implementation concerns in a question-and-answer session. On protections for undocumented students, the governor said the state WAFSA is specifically designed for in-state students and that "information for WAFSA is not shared with the federal government," and added that several state programs assist students regardless of immigration status. On funding, speakers clarified that FAFSA opens federal aid, while the Washington College Grant and some other supports come from state budget decisions; they said the proposal itself aims to increase use of funds already appropriated rather than create a large new fiscal obligation.

Ferguson acknowledged that passing legislation is difficult and that budget constraints pose challenges, but said the proposal should have limited new fiscal impact because the state has already invested in programs that the form helps unlock: "This doesn't cost money to do... We've already invested the money in there. That's in the program, that unlocks so much potential for the people of our state." He said he will work with his team and the legislature to advance the proposal and urged early public and legislative conversations ahead of the next session.

The event closed with the governor thanking institutional and community partners and offering to take follow-up questions; he said he will press to get the bill to his desk for signature if it clears the legislature.