This handbook on obtaining college financial aid for students in the state of Washington offers step-by-step instructions for applying for aid and a reference guide to state, federal, and institutional types of aid available. A first section describes how to begin and introduces the book. A following section details the general considerations in determining financial need: cost of education, financial need, and calculating financial aid. The next section briefly discusses applying for assistance. There follows an application checklist of tasks in an order for completion with some explanation of each task. The next section briefly defines the state financial aid programs: the Need Grant Program (for needy and disadvantaged residents), the Work-Study program, the Scholars Program, the Conditional Scholarships/Loan programs, the Exchange Programs, and a Tuition Waiver Program. More detailed descriptions of each program appear in the following section. The next section describes federal aid programs including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, the College Work Study Program, the Perkins Loan Program, a teachers scholarship program, and Stafford loans. The following section explains that some institutions have their own aid programs. The final three sections explain common acronyms; provide a vocabulary list; and list participating public colleges, universities, and community colleges. The back cover holds two detachable postcards to be used as requests to institutions for financial aid applications. (JB)