Washington State University Vancouver’s Student Financial Services is offering a series of free, public online workshops this spring entitled “A – Z of Paying for College.” These one‑hour sessions, held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., are open to prospective and current students—regardless of which college they plan to attend. Attendees will learn how to manage college costs using grants, loans, savings, scholarships, and work‑study; understand what forms to complete, what money must be repaid, and how to identify scholarship strategies. Workshops are hosted on Zoom and led by financial aid experts.

The upcoming spring 2026 workshop dates are:

• February 24 (online via Zoom)
• March 25 (Zoom)
• April 23 (Zoom)
• May 20 (Zoom)

All sessions are free, open to the public, and require registration. Individuals in need of special accommodations can request assistance through WSU Vancouver’s services.

This initiative builds on WSU Vancouver’s broader efforts to support college affordability, including its encouragement of filing the FAFSA or WASFA, offering scholarships and student emergency funds, and providing financial literacy resources—underscoring the institution’s commitment to guiding students through the complexities of financing higher education.

Why this matters: For families and students in Cowlitz County and surrounding areas considering college, accessing free, expert guidance on navigating financial aid can make a tangible difference in planning and affordability. These workshops help demystify key deadlines, aid types, and application strategies, which is especially important in communities where financial aid processes often pose barriers to access.