Types of Aid
Types of Financial Aid
There are four main types of Financial Aid funding: Federal, State, Institutional, and Scholarship. Each category has individual funds, each with their own eligibility criteria and award amounts.
Eligibility for Funding
One of the most common eligibility criteria is “Need”. The Financial Aid Office determines each student’s Need, and it is the Need that Financial Aid Staff try to fill with Financial Aid funds.
Students can receive financial aid assistance when taking as few as 1 credit, however, the majority of financial aid requires at least ½ time enrollment (6 or more credits), with many grants and scholarships requiring at least ¾ time enrollment (9 or more credits).
Financial Aid Funds
Below is a list of the most common financial aid funds available at Highline College. They have been broken up by type, so you better understand where the money is coming from.
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. People who complete a WASFA are applying for state aid.
After you complete the WASFA, the college will determine whether you meet state residency requirements and state financial aid eligibility. State financial aid could include Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, Passport to Careers, National Guard Grant, or State Work Study.
Washington College Grant
The Washington College Grant (WCG) is financial aid funding for low-income students. This funding is awarded based on state-legislated income criteria which creates an Maximum Family Income (MFI).
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships in high-demand trade, health care, or STEM fields and launch careers in Washington State.
Washington State Work Study
Washington State Work Study is financial aid for low- and middle-income students. Qualifying students get an approved job, on- or off-campus, to support their education. Work study builds students’ skills, increases their earnings, and reduces reliance on student loans.
College Bound Scholarship
To qualify for College Bound Scholarships, students had to enroll in the College Bound program in high school and meet certain requirements. The College Bound Scholarship offers additional funding for those students who qualify for the Washington State Need Grant.
Students with this scholarship are guaranteed Washington State Need Grant funds so long as they meet criteria and have enough need. The self help requirement for the Washington State Need Grant does not apply to students with the College Bound Scholarship.
Passport to Careers
The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.
Through Passport to College, students get a scholarship and support services from college staff. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses. Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities supports people in registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. Funds can cover tuition and fees for classes, and occupational costs like work clothes and tools.
Institutional financial aid is provided by Highline College. The first step to applying for institutional aid is completing the FAFSA or WASFA.
There are two types of Institutional aid:
- Highline Grant
- Highline Tuition Waiver
Some scholarships are awarded based on merit (grades, achievement), while others are awarded based on need. The Highline College Foundation awards scholarships each year based on a wide variety of criteria set by donors including financial need, academic merit, community service, and areas of study. Visit the HC Foundation website to find out more!
Federal and state grants are fantastic college funding options because, unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. There are numerous grants available to Highline College.
Work Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Students loans are available for eligible students.
Many other offices on campus that fund students pass their funding through the Financial Aid Office. Things such as Workforce and WorkFirst funding, and Athletic and Department Scholarships are administered through their respective offices even though the money will show up on your Financial Aid Award Letter and will disburse like other aid.
You should direct questions about funding from these entities to their respective offices rather than the Financial Aid Office for the most prompt service.
Worker Retraining Grant: Eligible students pursuing technical training may qualify for up to $4,000 per quarter in grants and other services.
WorkFirst Grant: Student parents receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits from DSHS may qualify.
Veterans Services: If you are a veteran or a survivor or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for Veteran’s educational benefits to help you earn an outstanding college education.
Opportunity Grant: Students receive aid to complete up to one year of college and a certificate in a high-wage, high-demand field.
Financial Aid Office Hours
8 – 5 p.m. |
8 – 6 p.m. |
Closed for processing |
8 – 5 p.m. |
Closed for processing |
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