WA Governor wants to make FAFSA (or state equivalent) a graduation requirement

July 13, 2026

Gov. Bob Ferguson wants to make completing the federal student aid application, or the state equivalent, a graduation requirement, he announced at a press conference on Monday, July 13. 

Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa spoke at the Monday press conference, saying that finances are the “critical factor” holding students back from seeking a college degree. 

“Encouraging FAFSA completion really unlocks the opportunity for students,” Randhawa said.