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Washington Governor Wants to Require FAFSA for High School Graduation
The proposal would still let students opt out, and supporters say similar rules have lifted completion rates to 67% in some districts.
- On Monday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson proposed making the Free Application for Federal Student Aid a high school graduation requirement, though students may opt out if they choose not to complete the application.
- Ferguson cited widespread lack of awareness as the primary barrier, noting many students leave financial aid dollars unclaimed; Washington currently trails most other states in national FAFSA completion rankings.
- A dozen states, including California, Texas, and New York, require FAFSA completion with opt-out options and consistently rank near the top nationally. Federal Way Public Schools reported a 67% completion rate, significantly higher than the 53% statewide average.
- Washington Roundtable executives report that 70% of students need post-secondary credentials to meet the state's economic needs, yet only around 40% currently attain them, driving this broader push to address worker shortages.
- Legislative leaders will consider the measure during the January 2027 session; Ferguson maintains the policy will not require new funding, utilizing existing investments instead. The state Board of Education is simultaneously developing recommendations for other graduation requirement revisions.
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15 Articles
Gov. Ferguson wants FAFSA required for graduation
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson wants to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, a high school graduation requirement, arguing that too many students are leaving money for college and job training on the table simply because they never complete the form.
·Vancouver, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 31%
C 61%
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