FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students fill out to apply for federal student aid. The FAFSA is used to determine a student's eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. It asks for information about the student's income, assets, and family situation to determine their financial need. The FAFSA is typically available on October 1st each year for the upcoming academic year, and it must be completed annually.
Start Your FAFSA Application
PTI’s School Code: 009387
If any additional documents are required after submitting the FAFSA, students will be notified through their financial aid portal. If no further documents are needed, the financial aid office will contact the student to schedule a Financial Planning Session. This session will cover the cost of tuition, materials, and other expenses, and how much financial aid the student is eligible for. Additionally, options for obtaining loans and outside funding will also be discussed.
WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is a form that undocumented students in the state of Washington can fill out to apply for state financial aid programs such as the Washington College Grant. The WASFA asks for information about the student's income, assets, and family situation to determine their financial need. The application is available on October 1st each year for the upcoming academic year, and it must be completed annually.
Start your WASFA application
If any additional documents are required after submitting the WASFA, students will be notified through their financial aid portal. If no further documents are needed, the financial aid office will contact the student to schedule a financial planning session. This session will cover the cost of tuition, materials, and other expenses, and how much financial aid the student is eligible for. Additionally, options for obtaining loans and outside funding will also be discussed.
Applying for a Special Circumstance Appeal (FAFSA & WASFA)
If your financial situation has changed since completing your financial aid application – such as a change/loss of income or a change in family size including new dependents, divorce, separation, or death of a parent or spouse – you may be eligible to submit a Special Circumstance Appeal for reconsideration of your financial aid eligibility.
To begin the appeal process:
- Contact the Financial Aid Office to schedule an appointment to discuss your change of circumstance, options, and receive the appeal form.
- Submit the completed form along with all required documentation to the Financial Aid Office. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
- Allow 4 – 6 weeks for review and processing.
Please Note: Submission of an appeal does not guarantee additional financial aid. Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) between -1500 and 0 do not need to appeal.
All documentation will be reviewed by the Director of Financial Aid, and you will be notified of the outcome once the review is complete.
If you have questions about your unique situation or are ready to start the appeal process, either visit our office to talk with a Financial Aid Specialist in person, call (509) 453-0374, or email financialaid@perrytech.edu.
Applying as an Independent Student
In most cases, your financial aid eligibility must be determined using your biological/adoptive parents’ income and asset information. However, if your family circumstances are such that you are unable to live with and be supported by your biological/adoptive parents because of the involuntary dissolution of the family due to abuse, death, imprisonment, abandonment, or if your parents are physically or mentally incapacitated, your dependency status may be re-evaluated. The U.S. Department of Education requires documentation to be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid in order for the Director of Financial Aid to determine if the circumstances warrant a dependency override. The Director’s decision is final. Dependency overrides are done on a case-by-case basis.
To submit a dependency override, submit your completed Request for Independent Status form along with required documentation to the Financial Aid Office. The form is available for download on the Financial Aid Portal. Please allow 2-3 weeks to review all documents. If you have questions and want to discuss your unique situation with a Financial Aid Specialist, please contact us at 509-453-0374 or financialaid@perrytech.edu.
Who Qualifies for Aid?
Recipients of financial aid are selected based on program-specific eligibility requirements and the availability of funds.
Federal Direct Loans:
Federal Direct Loans are offered to all students who meet federal eligibility requirements. These loans are not limited by institutional funding, and all eligible students may receive loan funds up to their annual and aggregate federal loan limits.
Need-Based Programs (e.g., Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and certain state programs):
Recipients are selected based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA or WASFA. For programs with limited funding, priority is given to students with the highest financial need.
Limited-Funding Programs:
When funding is limited, recipients may also be selected based on the date of application. Students who complete all required application materials by the priority deadline may receive priority consideration.
Other Programs:
Selection criteria for external funding sources may vary and can include financial need, academic progress, program enrollment, and other specific program requirements.
How is Aid Determined?
Financial aid award amounts are determined based on federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and each student’s individual financial circumstances.
Cost of Attendance (COA):
Financial aid eligibility is based on the student’s Cost of Attendance, which includes estimated direct and indirect educational expenses such as tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
Student Aid Index (SAI):
A student’s financial need is calculated using the Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the FAFSA.
Other Financial Assistance:
Scholarships and external funding may be included in a student’s financial aid package and are considered when determining overall eligibility. Total financial aid awarded may not exceed the student’s Cost of Attendance.
Financial need is generally defined as the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) minus the Student Aid Index (SAI) minus Other Financial Assistance (OFA).
COA – SAI – OFA = Need
Financial aid awards are based on information available at the time of packaging and are subject to change. Awards may be adjusted if additional funding becomes available or if corrections or updates to a student’s financial aid application or eligibility are received.
