Joint Statement from Independent Colleges of Washington, the Washington State Council of Presidents, and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

Study after study shows that for people to land well-paying jobs, they need education beyond high school. Washington companies anticipate thousands of openings for individuals with advanced training and higher education.

Yet here in Washington, high school seniors who are not pursuing education beyond high school and not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are foregoing millions in assistance to support their higher education aspirations. The FAFSA form – which can typically be completed in under an hour – unlocks federal and state financial aid, including grants that don’t have to be paid back, like federal Pell Grants and the Washington College Grant.

Washington’s high school seniors from the class of 2024 who did not complete the FAFSA were unable to access millions in college financial aid, according to a 2025 study from the National College Attainment Network.

We urge students not to miss out on money to help them pay for college.

The $7,395 maximum Pell Grant is financial aid that does not need to be repaid, and supports students living on low incomes. Still, the funds are only available to those who fill out the FAFSA. The same is true for the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work Study programs. Filing a FAFSA is the key first step.

The FAFSA (or WASFA, Washington Application for State Financial Aid, for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal financial aid but may qualify for state aid) also provides access to the Washington College Grant, one of the most generous and flexible financial aid programs in the country.

Independent Colleges of Washington Honored Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) with the Stanley O. McNaughton Leadership Award for Six Decades of Support of Washington’s College Students

Computer science demand

The role of independent colleges

Re: “WA students flock to computer science, and AI adds to the allure” [Nov. 22, Education Lab]:

Demand for the popular and critical degree program of computer science will not soon subside. Fortunately, a key solution to the need for additional computer science degree program slots is right in front of us, and The Seattle Times report neglected to mention it.

Students, families and policymakers should consider the pipeline of computer science talent coming from the private not-for-profit colleges and universities across Washington. Across Independent Colleges of Washington member campuses, for example, more than 8,000 students graduate with bachelor’s and advanced degrees each year and about 500 baccalaureate and graduate certificates and degrees in computer science are awarded annually. Half of the students enrolled at Independent Colleges of Washington member campuses identify as Black, Indigenous, or students of color.

These students are well supported with scholarships and other assistance, but the Legislature should design and fund incentive programs to make it even more possible for Washingtonians to enroll at a private not-for-profit college or university. These campuses are an important part of the solution to lift our economies and communities across the state.

Terri Standish-Kuon, Seattle, president and CEO, Independent Colleges of Washington

Independent Colleges of Washington, The Council of Presidents, and The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges release a joint Message from Washington’s Colleges and Universities to Washington’s Students

Any incoming 2022 college first-year student currently attending Redmond or Eastlake High School and planning on attending an ICW member college:

Garrett J. Goodchild Achievement Award (1 award) $2,500

Any ICW student who will be a college first year, sophomore, junior or senior in Fall 2022:

E.K. & Lillian F. Bishop Foundation (3 awards) $2,500 each

Any ICW college student who will be a college junior or senior in Fall 2022:

Richard E. Bangert Business Award (4 awards) $2,450 each

The Boeing Company Scholarship (2 awards) $1,800

David M. Irwin Friend of Higher Education Award 2 awards) $1,100

Stanley O. McNaughton Community Service Award (5 awards) $2,200 each

William G. Saletic Endowed Scholarship (1 award) $1,500

Related Resources:

ICW Scholarship General Information  

Application checklist, eligibility detail, essay topics

January 6, 2021

“As leaders of public and private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in the state of Washington, we stand strongly together in denouncing today's attack on the U.S. Capitol and on democracy. Since the earliest days of this nation, higher education has prepared an engaged, informed and civic-minded citizenry. In this way, our shared mission is fundamental to democracy and is in sharp contrast to the shocking scenes that unfolded in Washington, DC. Collectively, we redouble our commitment to preparing our students and future generations to help ensure that our democracy continues to thrive.”

If you have questions about a specific member campus, please see their dedicated information sites.