Governor Proposes FAFSA Graduation Requirement

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  Governor Bob Ferguson announced a new legislative proposal“July 13, 2026 Story Body DES MOINES — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced his next major legislative proposal: Requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or its state equivalent, in order to graduate high school or opt-out. This will be Governor-request legislation in the upcoming legislative session.”
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  The legislative proposal requires all Washington high school seniors to complete the FAFSA or its state equivalent to graduate“Requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or its state equivalent, in order to graduate high school or opt-out.”
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  The legislative proposal allows high school seniors to opt-out“Requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or its state equivalent, in order to graduate high school or opt-out.”
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  Governor Bob Ferguson made the announcement at Highline College in Des Moines“Governor Ferguson announced his proposal at a press conference at Highline College in Des Moines, which serves the most diverse higher education student population in Washington.”
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  The announcement was made on July 13, 2026“July 13, 2026 Story Body DES MOINES — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced his next major legislative proposal: Requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or its state equivalent, in order to graduate high school or opt-out. This will be Governor-request legislation in the upcoming legislative session.”
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  Washington currently ranks 40th nationally in FAFSA completion“Since that time, Washington has jumped 7 places in the national rankings for FAFSA completion — from 47th to 40th.”
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  The FAFSA completion rate in Washington is 51%“Washington’s FAFSA completion rate is 51%.”
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  The proposal follows the state's 'Washington Completes FAFSA' campaign“In response, last September, Governor Ferguson launched his Washington Completes FAFSA campaign. Since that time, Washington has jumped 7 places in the national rankings for FAFSA completion — from 47th to 40th.”
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  The 'Washington Completes FAFSA' campaign was launched last September“In response, last September, Governor Ferguson launched his Washington Completes FAFSA campaign.”
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  The campaign increased FAFSA completion by 4,700 students“That translates to approximately 4,700 more high school seniors completing the FAFSA this year compared to last year.”
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  Some school districts require FAFSA for graduation“A few examples of districts that require the FAFSA as a graduation requirement: Federal Way School District: 67%. College Place School District: 74% North Beach School District: 68%”
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  Federal Way is one of the school districts that require FAFSA for graduation“Federal Way School District: 67%.”
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  Federal Way has a FAFSA completion rate of 67%“Federal Way School District: 67%.”
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  College Place is another school district that requires FAFSA for graduation“College Place School District: 74%”
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  College Place has a FAF than FAFSA completion rate of 74%No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The legislation will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session“This will be Governor-request legislation in the upcoming legislative session.”
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  Governor Ferguson stated that Washington provides more free money for college than any other stateNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Governor Ferguson stated that the state hasn't demonstrated the same commitment to helping students access that money“Washington provides more free money for students to attend college or job training than virtually any other state in the nation, yet we haven’t demonstrated the same commitment to helping students access that money,”