FAFSA Simplification: What You Need to Know

College News

Update: April 4, 2024

If you are planning to attend college between Summer 2024 and Spring 2025, keep reading for the latest news about changes to the federal financial aid system and what you need to know to apply for financial aid for college. 

Along with colleges and universities throughout the country, EvCC will receive your financial aid file from the Department of Education this year much later than normal. This will impact how and when EvCC can process your application for financial aid.

The college is actively working on measures to support students with summer class registration and on-campus housing arrangements. Rest assured, no student will be dropped or removed from campus housing or classes due to pending financial aid decisions. More details to come.

What You Should Do

You should apply now for 2024-25 financial aid if you haven’t already.

Everyone who plans to attend college between Summer 2024 and Spring 2025 should apply now to have the best chance of receiving funds. The summer priority date is April 26, and the fall priority date is June 7.

Submitting your FAFSA or WASFA along with all other required documents by the priority deadline ensures that you won’t be dropped from your EvCC classes for non-payment while we process your application.

Tip: We recommend that you file your FAFSA or WASFA two weeks before the priority date in case you need to fix errors or submit additional information.

Contact Financial Aid for help.

Staff are here to help you! You can email fin_aid@everettcc.edu with your full name, contact info and ctcLink ID to ask your questions. During business hours, you can call 425-388-9280 or get in-person help (which is usually the fastest way to get an answer) in Parks 307.

Watch for updates, and respond promptly.

After you submit your FAFSA or WASFA, watch your email and check your ctcLink account for To Dos that need to be completed. Respond quickly if you are asked for more information. 

Don’t wait to ask questions.

Our Financial Aid employees have been working diligently to learn the new system and to help students complete the new process. Our normal turnaround time for responding to emails is 3-5 business days. Many things outside of our control could cause longer wait times. The sooner you ask, the better.

Learn more.

Check out these helpful resources and tutorials:

• Start Your 2024-25 FAFSA Form 
• How to Create an FSA ID (Account Username and Password) 
• What is a Contributor on the 2024-25 FAFSA Form? 
• What changed on the 2024-25 FAFSA Form? 
• What Happens after Submitting Your FAFSA Form 
• How to Apply for WASFA 
• If unsure whether to file the FAFSA or WASFA 

Previous updates

Date: March 5, 2024