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Students gathered in Puyallup courtyard

Step 1: Apply for Admissions to Pierce College

Go here to get started.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid

Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you are an undocumented student or do not qualify for federal student aid due to your immigration status, you should submit a WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) application instead of the FAFSA. You do not need to complete both applications.

  • To receive financial aid for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, and/or Spring 2024, please complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA/WASFA application.
  • Be sure to include Pierce College School Code on your application, School Code: 005000
  • Your FAFSA/WASFA will be electronically sent to the school 5–7 business days after you complete the application.
  • After your application has been received, you will receive a notification from the Financial Aid office with your next steps.
  • Processing can take up to four weeks after all required documentation has been submitted to the Financial Aid office. Frequently check your ctcLink Message Center and To-Do lists for additional information.

*You will need to submit a new FAFSA/WASFA application EACH year to continue receiving financial aid.

Step 3: Check Your Financial Aid Application Status

Log in to ctcLink.

The Financial Aid tile, the Message Center, and the To-Do lists are the communication tools used by Financial Aid staff to send you updated information about your application.

  • Check on your financial aid award
  • Find documents you need to submit, or have already submitted. It is important to submit any requested documents right away to avoid delays in processing your financial aid.

Step 4: Receive your Financial Aid

Your initial financial aid award is based on full-time enrollment, which is 12 or more credits each quarter. To avoid delays in financial aid disbursements, you must notify the Financial Aid Office in advance if you wish to enroll in fewer than 12 credits. Please contact the Financial Aid office if you have questions.

Step 5: Manage your Financial Aid

In order to remain eligible to receive financial aid, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Failure to do so will result in a loss/and or repayment of aid. For more information regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress and quarterly requirements, see the Get and Keep Your Aid web page.