"It’s that time – FAFSA app is here! Everybody knows there is not a better time of year. Hear that sound, money has been found. Hip-hip-hooray! It’s FAFSA Completion!” (Sung to the tune of “Christmas Vacation”, adapted by Amanda Duffy)

The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is now available for all students and their contributors (i.e. parent or spouse). Wichita State University’s priority date to submit your 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is April 1, 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your financial aid for the upcoming academic year, especially need-based aid!

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the 2025-2026 FAFSA.

Q: How long does it take to complete the FAFSA?

A: It should take less than one hour to complete the FAFSA form.

Q: What do I need to get my application completed?

A: 1) FSA ID & Password – this can take up to three days for Federal Student Aid to verify your Social Security Number and until it has been verified, you cannot access the FAFSA.

2) You and your contributor’s Social Security Numbers

3) You and your contributor’s 2023 federal tax returns

4) Records of child support received

5) Balances of cash/savings/checking account(s)

6) Net worth of investments, businesses and farms

Q: I support myself. Why do I have to include my parent’s information on the FAFSA?

A: Even if you support yourself, live on your own or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine dependency status. If you’re independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

Q: How long does it take for Federal Student Aid to send a contributor their invitation email?

A: A contributor should typically receive an email notification to complete their portion of the form within 1-3 days of the student submitting their application.

Q: What is Wichita State University’s Federal School Code?

A: 001950

Q: What happens after I submit my application?

A: Once you click ‘Submit’, Federal Student Aid will process your information and generate a FAFSA Submission Summary which details your estimated financial aid eligibility, including your Student Aid Index (SAI), and send this information to colleges you listed on your application. Then, colleges use this data to create their individual financial aid packages based on your eligibility and their available funds. However, sometimes the colleges may need more information from you before creating the financial aid packages. If this is the case, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will reach out to students through their Shocker Email. Once we receive all the needed information then we will be able to send an offer on your financial aid package.

Q: When will Wichita State University receive my FAFSA application?

A: We will receive your FAFSA within two business days of you submitting your application to Federal Student Aid.

Q: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid. Why should I fill out the FAFSA?

A: Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get – fill out the application and find out. By completing the form, you are applying for federal and state grants, work-study and loans – not to mention the institutional aid that you could qualify for with the results of your federal aid application. And the best part – it’s FREE!

Q: What if my financial situation has changed since filing the FAFSA?

A: You should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Wichita State University to discuss the change in your financial situation. You may need to provide documentation to support your change in financial situation. We are located in Jardine Hall, Room 203 and can be contacted at 316-978-3430. Our office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Note: The university will be closed from the end of business day Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025).

Q: I didn’t receive enough money for college. Am I just out of luck?

A: You still have options! If you received federal, state and institutional aid but still find yourself having to fill the gap between what your financial aid cover and what you owe the college, consider scholarships through ScholarshipUniverse, part-time work, and Wichita State University’s payment plan through Accounts Receivable. We are here to help unlock every dollar possible at Wichita State University!

The 2025-2026 FAFSA is available at studentaid.gov. If you experience any issues while attempting to complete your application, you can access Federal Student Aid’s Help Center 24/7/365. You can call them at 1-800-433-3243, live chat with Aiden the Owl or send an email.

We are committed to helping you in any way we can with your 2025-2026 application or any other financial aid concern you may have. You can call, chat, or schedule a financial aid appointment with one of our amazing advisors!

• Want to talk? Our phone number is (316) 978-3430 or (855) 978-1787.
• Want to type? Chat with us!
• Want to schedule an appointment? You can select the appropriate advisor through WSU’s Navigate system – just use your myWSU ID and password to log into Navigate. We can meet in-person, over the phone or even virtual!

Stay up to date with our events and on social media @wichitastatefinaid. Outside of visiting us with questions one-on-one, we offer workshops to help with FAFSA completion. We are here to invest in you!