Financial Aid Applications.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal form that current and prospective students fill out to determine their eligibility for federal and state financial aid for attending postsecondary education institutions.  The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is an alternative form for students who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA, but may still be eligible for state financial aid.  The WASFA is administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).  The WASFA can be used to apply for the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, and other state or institutional financial aid but cannot be used to apply for federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant.  The WSAC retains student data from the WASFA indefinitely.

Public Disclosure Exemption.  The Public Records Act (PRA) requires state and local agencies to make all public records available for public inspection and copying unless a record falls within an exemption under the PRA or another statute that exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records.  Exemptions under the PRA are permissive, meaning that an agency, although not required to disclose, has the discretion to provide an exempt record.  The exemptions under the PRA are inapplicable to the extent that information, the disclosure of which would violate personal privacy or vital governmental interests, can be redacted from the specific records sought.  The PRA is liberally construed, and its exemptions are narrowly construed.

Keep Washington Working Act.  In 2019, the Legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act (KWWA), which in part prohibits state agencies from using "agency funds, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, cooperate with, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal registration or surveillance programs or any other laws, rules, or policies that target Washington residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration, or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin."  The WSAC also protects students’ personally identifiable information as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may seek access to information pursuant to a court order, subpoena, or warrant.

Any personally identifying information or financial information related to the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is exempt from public inspection and copying under the Public Records Act.  Absent a court order, state agencies are prohibited from providing such information to any other entity, including the federal government.  However, the WSAC and institutions of higher education may share such information with one another for the purpose of supporting or facilitating student enrollment. 

The WSAC may not retain personally identifying information or financial information related to WASFA applications, and related records including student numbers assigned by the WSAC, for longer than one year following the end of an institution's award year, absent an outstanding audit or appeal regarding the award of aid and unless otherwise required by law.  The WSAC and institutions of higher education may not disclose or reproduce such information and related records to any other entity, including the federal government, absent a court order or unless required to comply with state or federal law, or in response to a lawfully issued court order.