MARIETTA, OHIO — Each February, colleges across the country highlight Financial Aid Awareness Month to help students and families better understand the resources available to achieve their higher education goals affordably. At Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO), that commitment extends well beyond a single month. The college works year-round to ensure that Ohioans are aware of and can access grants, scholarships, and other assistance that help cover the cost of college and open doors to life-changing opportunities.
Largely due to lack of awareness or completion barriers, only about 52 percent of Ohio high school seniors completed the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in 2024, resulting in millions of dollars of federal financial aid unclaimed. To address this issue, WSCO offers workshops, drop-in sessions, and individualized counseling to help students navigate the process and secure the support they need.
Financial aid is one of the most powerful tools available for expanding educational opportunity, said Financial Aid Director, Madison Galloway.
“Completing the FAFSA is often the first step towards opening new doors, helping students explore resources that can make college possible and shape a new future,” Galloway said. “In addition to completing the FAFSA, WSCO offers a Free College initiative that alleviates the complicated funding search so many students encounter. Students complete a simple Free College interest form that is then vetted by our Financial Aid Department to determine all additional funding opportunities available. We want to make sure families in our community do not miss out.”
This month also marks an important period for high school students exploring their college options. Sign-up for Ohio’s popular College Credit Plus (CCP) program begins in February and continues through April. CCP allows students in grades 7 through 12 to earn up to 30 college credits per academic year at no direct cost, saving Ohio families millions of dollars each year. Community colleges play a major role in this program, and more than half of all CCP students statewide take their courses through an Ohio community college.
Washington State currently partners with 29 high schools to offer college-level course work and has a proven record of helping students succeed through the CCP program.
“College Credit Plus has been a game-changer for students and families,” said Dr. Jona Rinard, Vice President of Academic Affairs at WSCO.
“Students can earn credits that count toward both high school graduation and future college degrees,” Rinard said. “Over the past two years alone, 81 associate degrees were awarded to high school students through the CCP program, preparing them to enter the workforce or continue on to a four-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree while saving families significant tuition costs and giving students a head start on their academic goals.”
That success is supported by a strong network of student services. At Washington State, students also receive personalized support through programs such as the federal TRIO programs, which consist of outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Washington State is dedicated to providing these and other services in the form of coaching, financial literacy tools, FAFSA help, and additional support for first-generation students, those from limited-income households, or individuals with documented disabilities.
“Ohio’s community colleges deliver the greatest value in higher education, combining affordability with strong workforce outcomes,” said Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges., “Financial aid helps remove barriers so more Ohioans can access training and credentials that lead directly to in-demand jobs,.
“A range of Ohio scholarships support these options, and soon, Workforce Pell will help accelerate and expand financial assistance for more short-term programs,” Zaffini said.
Community colleges continue to be the most affordable entry point into higher education, enabling students to save thousands of dollars on the path to a bachelor’s degree. Short-term certificates and associate degrees can also fast-track students directly into the high-demand jobs of today and tomorrow. On February 25, from 4-7pm WSCO will host a FAFSA workshop where Financial Aid staff will be available to help families complete the application and provide one on one counseling. This event is free and open to the community.
“At Washington State, our goal is to provide clarity, reassurance, and hands-on help to current and prospective students,” said Galloway. “Financial aid is not only for recent high school graduates. Adults returning to school, career changers, and working parents can all qualify for support.”
To learn more about financial aid opportunities, College Credit Plus, or upcoming workshops, visit wsco.edu or contact Admissions at 740.568.1900.
