Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) wants high school seniors to complete a financial aid form or formally opt out before graduating, arguing that too many students miss out on money for college, apprenticeships, and job training because they never apply.
Ferguson Pushes FAFSA Or Opt-Out Rule
Ferguson’s proposal would require students to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, or an opt-out form. His office said the opt-out option would prevent the policy from blocking any student from graduating.
“We need to do more as a state to make sure that young people unlock that future for themselves,” Ferguson said Monday at Highline College, according to a report by The Seattle Times.
The proposal would go to lawmakers in 2027, alongside other potential changes to graduation. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has also proposed a senior-year course combining civics, financial literacy and postsecondary planning.
Weak Completion Rates Leave Aid Untapped
Washington has generous aid but weak application numbers. The Washington Student Achievement Council says the state ranks among the top three for need-based aid but consistently ranks among the bottom five for FAFSA completion. WSAC said about 52% of public high school graduates completed FAFSA for the class of 2023.
“We’ve done terribly,” Ferguson said.
His office said Washington students left more than $80 million in federal aid unclaimed in 2024 by not completing FAFSA.
The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study, and states and schools also use it to award aid. The Associated Press reported that the 2026-27 FAFSA opened ahead of schedule and carries a June 30, 2027, federal deadline.
Research Backs FAFSA Completion Mandates
The stakes have risen as federal student aid changes reshape borrowing. Reuters reported last month that new rules will cap graduate and parent borrowing and change Pell Grant treatment, while recent reports have discussed new loan caps and repayment changes, as well as state lawsuits over professional-degree limits.
Research groups have linked FAFSA completion policies to higher college-going. The non-partisan National College Attainment Network (NCAN) says FAFSA completion is a strong predictor of college enrollment and backs mandates when states provide adequate student support.
“We know that if it’s required, the results are there,” Ferguson said.
Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages on Shutterstock
