The FAFSA Isn’t Open Yet… But Here’s How You Can Prep for Financial Aid Season

If you’re in the middle of applying to colleges, chances are you’ve heard about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA is one of the best ways to make sure colleges, including PLU, can put together a financial aid package tailored just for you. This year, the FAFSA is scheduled to open on or around December 1.

But don’t worry! There are a few things you can do right now to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running once the FAFSA opens up. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Set Up Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) Account

Before you can fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to create your FSA ID—your personal Student Aid account. This ID is how you’ll access the application and submit your information. And heads up: your parent(s) will need their own FSA ID, too.

2. Start Applying for Scholarships

While waiting for the FAFSA to open, why not jump-start your scholarship search? PLU offers a variety of scholarships that don’t require a FAFSA, so you can apply for these now:

• Visit Scholarship – Earn $1,000 per year just by visiting our campus!
• Presidential Scholarships – Our top academic and leadership scholarships, worth $34,000 to full tuition per year (apply by December 16).
• Alumni Referral Scholarship – Know a PLU alum? They can refer you for a $500 one-time scholarship! (Deadline: December 1)
• Artistic Achievement Awards – Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per year in Art & Design, Dance, Digital Media, Music, or Theatre (apply by February 11).

Considering PLU? Apply for a PLU Academic Scholarship

If you’re still deciding and haven’t applied yet, you should know that when you apply to PLU, you’re automatically considered for one of our academic scholarships—ranging from $8,000 to $32,000 per year.

If you have questions about PLU scholarships, the FAFSA, or the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your PLU Admission Counselor. They’re here to help make everything as smooth as possible.

For Washington State Residents

If you’re a Washington state resident who isn’t able to fill out the FAFSA (such as undocumented students), you can complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) to be considered for state-based financial aid. The WASFA for the 2025-26 school year will also open in December, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Start now, and by the time the FAFSA opens in December, you’ll be ready to make the most of your financial aid opportunities!