Washington Proposes FAFSA as a High School Graduation Requirement
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on July 14, 2026, that he will ask the state legislature to require high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before graduating. Students who do not want to complete the form could sign an opt-out agreement instead. Ferguson will push for the bill when the legislative session opens in January 2027.
The proposal responds to a documented gap between available aid and student access. About half of Washington families qualify for higher education financial aid, according to the Washington Student Achievement Council. Yet last year, Washington ranked 47th among all states in FAFSA completion.
47th Washington’s national rank for high school senior FAFSA completion last year, despite offering some of the most generous college aid in the country
Ferguson launched the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign in September 2025 and convened an advisory board to identify application barriers. The class of 2026 improved the state’s ranking to 40th nationally. Ferguson noted that progress still falls short.
“Let’s be honest: 40th is not gonna get the job done.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson, press conference, July 14, 2026
Washington offers significant financial aid for students who do apply. The Washington College Grant covers tuition and fees at any public university in the state for families below a qualifying income threshold. Students without permanent immigration status are eligible for state aid through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, but not for federal FAFSA funds.
Schools May Lack the Resources to Carry the Requirement
School districts are raising concerns about implementation costs. Tricia Lubach, executive director of the Washington State School Directors’ Association, said school board members have already flagged the financial burden. “Every time something new is imposed upon a school district, it costs money,” Lubach said. The association has not yet taken a formal position on the proposal.
Ferguson’s own advisory board acknowledged the resource gap. In a June 2026 meeting, board members noted that expanding FAFSA support during and after school hours requires additional funding that many districts do not currently have. Washington’s public education system is already under financial strain.
The proposal does have a local proof of concept. College Place School District already requires FAFSA completion and posts a 74% completion rate, well above the state average. Ferguson pointed to districts like College Place as evidence that a mandate can drive results.
What You Can Do Now
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Contact your Washington state representative and senator at the Washington State Legislature’s find-your-legislator tool and tell them whether you support or oppose a FAFSA graduation requirement. The legislative session opens in January 2027, and committee assignments will shape which version of this bill advances.
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Ask your legislator to include school funding in any bill that passes. Tell them: “If the state mandates FAFSA completion, it must allocate dollars for school counselors and after-hours support, or the requirement will fall hardest on under-resourced districts.”
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Contact your local school board to find out if your district has a FAFSA completion program. Ask what barriers students in your district face and whether the district has taken a position on Ferguson’s proposal. Find your school board at the Washington State School Directors’ Association directory.
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If you know a high school senior, direct them to wsac.wa.gov/wasfa for state aid or studentaid.gov for the FAFSA. Students without permanent immigration status are eligible for Washington state aid even if they cannot file a federal FAFSA.
Sources
- The Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band puts on a show — and is on a mission — Mississippi Today (2026-07-16)
- New Mexico education officials report fund supporting unhoused students showing early results — Source New Mexico (2026-07-16)
- A new law holds colleges accountable if their grads don’t earn more than $36,000 a year — CalMatters (2026-07-16)
Washington State Standard: WA Governor Proposes FAFSA Requirement for High School Graduation Washington Student Achievement Council: State Financial Aid Eligibility and Completion Data Washington State Legislature: Find Your District and Representative Federal Student Aid: FAFSA Application Portal Washington State WASFA Application for Non-Citizen Students: Report