Category: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Returning Shockers, before you start relaxing for summer break, it’s important to stay informed on recent federal regulations regarding aid packages and make sure you are prepped for the fall semester by enrolling now. Please read this important new information:

• With changes to federal regulations on aid awards effective July 1, starting in the 2026-27 school year, students in part-time status (11 credit hours or fewer in the semester) will receive a reduced amount of federal loan offers than students in full-time status (12 credit hours and over).
• Students who drop from full-time to part-time status during the semester will be required to pay back the difference in loan amounts to the federal government.
• By finalizing your schedule by the priority date of July 1, you’ll ensure you receive the correct loan packages, Pell Grants and other financial aid offers. If you haven’t finalized your schedule by then, you may miss out on potential aid or face delays in receiving your aid.
• Unsure about which courses you should take in the fall? Meet with your academic advisor, who can guide you through the process of checking your degree progress and enrolling you in fall courses.
• Already know what classes you want to take? You can enroll in your classes now.

For more information on the latest federal aid changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, visit Financial Aid’s announcements page.

Summer classes on your mind? Make sure your financial aid is ready to go.

Wichita State’s summer Financial Aid application is officially open, and now’s the perfect time to lock in support for your summer coursework.

How to apply for summer aid:

• If you have not already submitted a 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to Wichita State, be sure to complete and add Wichita State’s school code (001950) to your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• Enroll for summer courses at Wichita State
• Complete the WSU Summer 2026 Financial Aid Application* on your myWSU student portal.
  • The application can be found under the myFinances tab, within the Financial Aid Links section. Click on “Summer Aid Application”
  • Priority date to submit your application is May 1

For help, make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships or call 316-978-3430.

The clock is ticking, and it’s time to make your money magic happen. Submit your 2026-27 FAFSA to unlock every dollar of federal aid available to you.

If your award letter still leaves behind in your budget, don’t worry. Scholarships are ready to step in to cover the gap. With ScholarshipUniverse’s magical matching system, you can find more than 10,000 verified scholarships tailored to your unique circumstances. The curtain falls on applications April 1, so don’t miss your cue.

For more information or in-depth help, schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable advisor at The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship.

Join Shocker Financial Wellness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room to spring into scholarship success. This workshop aims to help students with ScholarshipUniverse applications.

The investing basics workshop is a beginner-friendly workshop that introduces the fundamentals of investing, empowering participants to make informed decisions about their financial future. Stop by this come-and-go event on between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room.

Current Wichita State students who attend three out of four Shocker Financial Wellness workshops and complete one peer coaching appointment by May 1 will be entered into a drawing for a fall 2026 tuition scholarship (non-renewable and in-state value only).

The “Mastering Credit and Loans” workshop introduces students to how credit works, why credit scores matter and how to borrow responsibly. It covers credit cards, student loans, interest rates, repayment options, and strategies for building and maintaining healthy credit.

Stop by this come-and-go event between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room. Current Wichita State students who attend three out of four Shocker Financial Wellness workshops and complete one peer coaching appointment by May 1 will be entered into a drawing for a fall 2026 tuition scholarship (non-renewable and in-state value only).

Join the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 in 203 Jardine Hall to complete the FAFSA application and sip on some hot cocoa.

The Amie Montgomery Scholarship was established by the Student Ambassador Society, the Montgomery family and other private donations. The purpose of it is to provide financial assistance to outstanding Wichita State students completing their college education.

The scholarship exists because Amie had a tremendous impact on the lives of other students who knew her during her time as a student at Wichita State. Amie was tragically killed in 1997 but her legacy lives on because of her commitment to WSU and the Wichita community. The diversity of her talents and interests made her a fascinating person, able to identify and relate to many people. The Student Ambassador Society is proud to have had Amie as a founding member and to honor her with this scholarship.

The SAS Executive Council will select two applicants to receive a $500 scholarship during the academic year.

Join the First Generation Student Organization in collaboration with Wichita State Financial Aid and Shocker Financial Wellness for an informative and supportive workshop designed specifically for first-generation students along with free pizza from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 in 225 Woolsey Hall. This session will help you better understand scholarships, financial aid and everyday money management while connecting you with valuable campus resources.

The workshop will begin with an overview of the ins and outs of scholarships, followed by two interactive breakout sessions: “eating on a budget resources” and “mastering credit and loans.” Whether you’re navigating financial aid for the first time or looking to strengthen your financial knowledge, this event offers practical tools and guidance to support your success.

The HALA Scholarship for Community Service assists students in completing their program of study at WSU. The scholarship was established in 1991 and provides scholarships to outstanding Wichita State students.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students while promoting the value of community service to foster a sense of civic duty and commitment to the university and greater Wichita area. The key objectives of the scholarship are to aid in the retention and graduation of WSU students.

To achieve these objectives, the scholarship includes awards based on financial need, academic achievement and service activities. Awarded students must agree to engage in community services activities for WSU and/or community-based organizations. The deadline to apply is March 20.