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Types of Financial Aid

students walking on campus

Complete your FAFSA today! Wichita State's school code: 001950

Complete your FAFSA today! Wichita State's school code: 001950

When it comes to paying for college, you have options, and our helpful staff in the Office of Financial Aid can answer your questions and guide you through the process of finding effective solutions to fund your education.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid is money awarded or loaned to students and/or their families to pay for educational expenses. It includes scholarships, grants, work study employment, and loans. Eligibility for financial aid is based on a number of factors, not just income.

Resources

Students walking

Scholarships

Scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement and/or financial need and do not have to be repaid.  

Wichita State Scholarships may be awarded based on your application for admission or be specific to your major or circumstances. 

Outside Scholarships are awarded to students from external organizations.  In fiscal year 2023, WSU students earned more than $3.9 million in outside scholarships.

Grants

Grants are based on financial need and do not need repaid.

Some grants, such as the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Shocker Promise are limited, first-come, first-served awards. 

Be sure to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Wichita State's March 1st priority date to maximize your consideration for these need-based grants.

Loans

Loans require repayment over time.

Federal loans offer tax-deductible, low, fixed interest rates and flexible payment terms.  Payments on federal student loans are deferred while you are enrolled at least half time.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Awarded based on financial need, and you are not responsible for the interest while you are enrolled at least half time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Not based on financial need and will being to accrue interest once the loans are disbursed.

Work Study

Work study is awarded based on financial need.  It provides funds for on-campus, part-time jobs to help you offset your educational expenses through a paycheck for the hours worked.

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