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Cascade Virtual Option: Postsecondary and Financial Aid Information

WASHINGTON GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (WAGAP)

What is WAGAP? Washington’s Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP) guarantees admission to participating universities if you meet specific requirements. This removes stress from the college application process and lets you focus on your goals with confidence.

Requirements – Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher – Complete all 17 credits in the six required subject areas (CADRs)

How It Works

No matter where you come from, college is within your reach! We work with participating high schools to review your GPA and high school courses required for guaranteed admissions and share this information with WAGAP-participating universities. If you’re a 12th grader from a participating school and meet the guaranteed admission requirements, you’ll claim your spot at those universities when you apply. If you’re an 11th grader, you’ll receive a checklist to guide you through this process and help you get ready.

Learn More: https://wsac.wa.gov/wagap

SEATTLE PROMISE

What is Seattle Promise? Seattle Promise is a college tuition and success program for Seattle Public Schools students, launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle.

Three Core Components

  1. Free Tuition – Up to two years of tuition-free attendance at any Seattle College (North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College), or up to 90 college credits or your first degree, whichever comes first
  2. Equity Scholarships – Flexible funding for books, transportation, housing, and other expenses for students with financial need
  3. Student Support and Advising – Academic advising and support beginning in your junior year of high school through degree completion or transfer to a four-year institution

Who is Eligible? All graduating seniors attending Seattle public high schools are eligible for Seattle Promise, regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth.

Learn More: https://seattlecolleges.edu/promise/

Application Deadline: https://seattlecolleges.edu/promise/apply/

The Cascade VO Seattle Promise Onboarding Specialist is May Saetern: mnsaetern@seattleschools.org

FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW

What is Financial Aid? Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career training. It covers costs like tuition, books, and fees, making education more affordable.

TypeDescription
GrantsFree money; no repayment needed (Federal Pell Grant, State Grants)
ScholarshipsFree money based on merit or specific skills (WSOS, Seattle Foundation, College Bound, WA Grant)
LoansBorrowed money; must be repaid with interest (Federal Direct Subsidized, Private Loans)
Work StudyPart-time on- or off-campus jobs for students with financial need

Where Financial Aid Can Be Used – Apprenticeships – Technical colleges – 2-year colleges – 4-year universities – Other career training programs

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Step 1: Choose Your Application (Both applications are free and are open annually on October 1st.)

All students are eligible to file one of these applications:

Step 2: Complete Your Application

For FAFSA: 1. Create an FSA ID for yourself and your parent(s) (do this now; you can set it up before October 1st) 2. Student signs in to the FAFSA website and begins the application 3. Parent(s) sign in to enter family income information 4. Give consent for the IRS to share financial information directly 5. Submit the completed form

Step 3: Submit Additional Forms if Required

Some colleges and universities may require additional forms, such as the CSS Profile. Check with your schools for their specific requirements. CSS Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

PRIORITY FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES
DeadlineProgramLinks
ASAP after October 1stFour-year universitieshttps://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/deadlines
April 30Seattle Promise / Seattle Collegeshttps://seattlecolleges.edu/promise/

Important: Filing early is best, but it is never too late to apply for financial aid.

FINANCIAL AID PRIVACY

All financial information is protected under the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Your information is secure and cannot be shared without your consent.

GET HELP WITH FINANCIAL AID

Seattle Public Schools Support – Financial aid filing events for students and families (check the Daily Bulletin or Friday Message for dates) – Financial aid advising lessons for seniors in October and November

Resources –

COLLEGE VISITS AND EVENTS

Visit the counseling page of your neighborhood school for college visits both in person and online.

Upcoming and active college fairs in the Seattle area for Fall 2026:

  • 2026 NACAC National College Fair – Seattle: Friday, October 16, 2026 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) and Saturday, October 17, 2026 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) at the Seattle Convention Center (705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101). Features over 200 colleges, specialized STEM areas, and performing/visual arts sections. Admission is free; register online at NACAC Fairs for a barcode.
  • Greater Seattle International Transfer Fairs: October 26–29, 2026, visiting local community and state colleges including Edmonds College, Cascadia College, Bellevue College, Shoreline College, Seattle Colleges, Highline College, and Green River College. Schedules and location details are available at Seattle Transfer Fairs.

A current calendar of Washington College Fairs, for the 2026-2027 school year, provides a one-stop location for high school, state, regional and national college and career fairs.

2026-2027 Washington College Fair CalendarCollege Fair: Best Practice Guidance