How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

FAQ – APPLYING FOR AID

Yes! You need to fill out the FAFSA every year, starting October 1 at FAFSA.gov.

Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 15

It’s best to do your taxes first, but don’t wait too long! You can use estimated income and update it later when your taxes are done.

To apply for financial aid through the FAFSA, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Online FAFSA Application:
    Visit www.studentaid.gov to start the application.
  2. Use the WSU Tech School Code:
    Enter 005498 as the school code to ensure WSU Tech receives your application.
  3. Complete Additional Steps:
    After submitting your FAFSA, there may be additional steps required to fully complete the financial aid process. Be sure to check your myWSUTech student portal for any required documents or actions: Go to Financial Aid dropdown menu then Check Financial Aid Status.

If you need any help during the process, feel free to contact the financial aid office at WSU Tech!

Our school code for the FAFSA is: 005498. Our name is listed as “Wichita State University Campus of Applied Science and Technology.”

FAQ – AWARDS & DISBURSEMENTS

Your financial aid will be sent to your student account on your disbursement date.

  • Fall & Spring: Two payments – one in fall, one in spring.
  • One Semester Only: First payment 30 days after classes start, second payment midway through the semester.

For exact dates, call Financial Aid at 316-677-9400.

Maybe! First, your financial aid pays for your tuition and fees.

  • If aid is less than your bill, you pay the rest.
  • If aid is more than your bill, you get a credit balance.

The extra money will be mailed to you within 14 days.

Example 1: Your total charges are $3,000, and your total financial aid award is $2,000 — you owe $1,000.

Example 2: Your total charges are $3,000, and your total financial aid award is $5,000 — you have a credit balance of $2,000, and this amount will be refunded to you.

No, your aid won’t be canceled automatically. If you don’t plan to use it, you must fill out a Request for FA Cancellation form. Contact the Financial Aid Office for help.

No, your financial aid will not automatically be canceled or expired. You will need to contact the financial aid office and complete the form ‘Request for FA Cancellation’.

Yes! You must accept or decline your aid at least two business days before the semester ends.

You got a revised award because your enrollment or FAFSA information changed, you requested a change, or you received additional aid.

You’ll receive an email from the WSU Tech Financial Aid Office at both your school and personal email. This email will include a link to your MyWSUTech portal, where you can check your award details.

To view your financial aid:

  1. Log in to your MyWSUTech portal.
  2. Go to the “Financial Aid” dropdown menu.
  3. Select “Financial Aid Award” and click on the “Award Offer” tab.
  4. Scroll down to see your financial aid eligibility.

Students will receive an email notification from the WSU Tech Financial Aid Office. The email is going to both the campus and personal email address on file. Once you receive the email, a direct link will take you to your myWSU Tech student portal where you will see your Award offer.

Financial aid is sent to WSU Tech 30 days after classes start and is applied to your tuition, fees, and bookstore charges.

Important things to know:

  • Pell Grants are reduced if you take less than 12 credit hours.
  • Student loans won’t be paid if you take less than 6 credit hours.
  • Dropping, withdrawing, or not attending class may reduce or cancel your aid.

If you take out a student loan, you have 14 days to cancel it. If your aid is more than your bill, the extra money will be refunded within 14 days.

  1. Check Your Bill – Log in to your MyWSUTech portal, go to the “Pay My Bill” dropdown, and select “View and Pay My Bill” to see your total charges.
  2. Review Your Financial Aid – In your MyWSUTech portal, go to the “Financial Aid” dropdown, select “Financial Aid Award,” and click on the “Award Offer” tab. Scroll down to see your total financial aid.
  3. Compare the Amounts – If your total financial aid is equal to or more than your total charges, your aid will fully cover your costs. If not, you may need to make other arrangements to pay the remaining balance.

  • If you passed a course, you can retake it once with financial aid.
  • If you failed or withdrew (F or W), you can retake it twice with financial aid.
  • All repeats count toward attempted hours, but only your most recent grade affects your GPA.

No, WSU Tech will not drop you from your current classes due to nonpayment. However, failure to pay may result in being dropped from future courses.

Also, when you signed the Enrollment Agreement, you acknowledged that:

  • You are responsible for paying your bill, even if you choose not to attend.
  • Unpaid balances may result in a financial hold, which could prevent registration or access to your records.

Your financial aid will be sent to WSU Tech 30 days after your classes start.

Important things to know:

  • Pell Grants are reduced if you take less than 12 credit hours.
  • Student loans won’t be paid if you take less than 6 credit hours.
  • Dropping or withdrawing from classes may reduce or cancel your aid.

Once funds are sent to WSU Tech, they will be applied to your tuition, fees, and bookstore charges.

If you take out a student loan, you have 14 days to cancel it. If your aid is more than your bill, the extra money will be refunded within 14 days.

FAQ – BOOKS

Yes! WSU Tech offers both.

  • Book Vouchers: If you have extra financial aid after paying tuition and fees, you can use those funds at the bookstore.
  • Emergency Loans: If your financial aid isn’t finalized, you can apply for an Emergency Loan through the WSU Tech Foundation.

You can order your books online by visiting: WSU Tech Virtual Bookstore. You can also access the bookstore through the WSU Tech student portal:

  1. Go to my,wsutech.edu and log into your student account.
  2. Click on the Student tab.
  3. Click on the WSU Tech Virtual Bookstore link in the top right corner.

Once you’re on the bookstore homepage:

  • Click the “Let’s Get Started” button.
  • Enter your WSU Tech ID (found on your name badge or class schedule).
  • Your required course materials will appear.

You can pay using financial aid (if eligible) or a credit card. Many courses use electronic materials that you’ll have access to on the first day of class.

No, you can buy your books from another source. However, make sure you have the correct ISBN number to ensure you purchase the right edition. Keep in mind that some materials include online homework and testing platforms, so be cautious when buying electronic materials elsewhere.

Physical textbooks are shipped right away, but delivery can take 3–5 days. To avoid delays, order as early as possible. Many textbooks are available for rent, which can help you save money.

Pell Grants and Student Loans become available two weeks before the first day of class—but only if you’ve submitted all required paperwork.

To check your Financial Aid status:

Log into your myWSU Tech student portal. Once you’re in:

  1. Click the “Financial Aid” tab on your myWSUTech dashboard.
  2. Select “Check Financial Aid Status” from the menu.
  3. Follow the instructions to register your Financial Aid Student Forms account.

This is where you can see any required documents and securely submit them.

If a third party (such as TAA, Workforce, DCF, or VA) is covering your course materials, they will need to issue a voucher. The voucher should be sent to Denise Varrientos at the WSU Tech Business Office:
📧 Email: businessoffice@wsutech.edu

Third-party vouchers are available two weeks before classes start, as long as the Business Office has received them.

If you’re waiting for financial aid and don’t have the money to buy books, talk to your advisor about applying for an Emergency Loan through the WSU Tech Foundation. If approved, the loan must be repaid once your financial aid is available.

For return instructions, visit: WSU Tech Virtual Bookstore.

Yes, we can help you find a physical textbook. However, be aware that some digital course materials are more than just e-books—they include homework, testing, and interactive features like:
✅ Practice tests
✅ Step-by-step problem-solving
✅ Note-sharing with classmates

Many e-books also allow you to print pages if needed. If you prefer a physical copy, check before purchasing to make sure it will meet your course requirements.

FAQ – CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT/DUAL ENROLLMENT

If you’re enrolled at multiple institutions, contact a WSU Tech financial aid representative to discuss your options.

Keep in mind:

  • WSU Tech can only provide financial aid for courses that are required for your degree at WSU Tech.
  • If you’re taking courses at another institution, check with their financial aid office to see how it may impact your aid eligibility.

For assistance, visit the Financial Aid Office or log into mywsutech.edu to check your financial aid status.

FAQ – ELIGIBILITY

No, WSU Tech does not process financial aid for conditionally admitted students.

To become eligible for financial aid, you must meet all admission requirements. If you have questions about your status or need assistance, contact the Admissions Office or check your status at my.wsutech.edu.

Your enrollment status for fall, spring, and summer semesters is based on the total number of credit hours you are registered for:

  • Full-time: 12 or more credit hours
  • Three-quarter time: 9–11 credit hours
  • Half-time: 6–8 credit hours
  • Less than half-time: 5 or fewer credit hours

Your enrollment status can affect financial aid eligibility, so be sure to check with the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions.

FAQ – FA VERIFICATION

Verification is a process required by the federal government to confirm that the information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is correct.

Why Was I Selected?

  • It’s a standard process to ensure eligible students receive the correct financial aid.
  • It also prevents ineligible students from receiving aid they shouldn’t.

What Do I Need to Do?

  1. Check Your Required Documents – Log into your myWSU Tech student portal and go to the Financial Aid tab.
  2. Submit the Required Documents – Follow the instructions to upload the necessary paperwork.

Your financial aid cannot be processed until verification is complete, so submit your documents as soon as possible to avoid delays. If you need help, contact the Financial Aid Office.

All required verification documents must be submitted at least one week before your classes end.

To avoid delays in receiving your financial aid, submit your paperwork as soon as possible. You can check which documents are needed by logging into your myWSU Tech student portal under the Financial Aid tab. If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Log into your myWSU Tech student portal. Once you’re in:

  1. Click the “Financial Aid” tab on your dashboard.
  2. Select “Check Financial Aid Status” from the menu.
  3. Follow the instructions to register your Financial Aid Student Forms account.

This is where you can see any required documents and securely submit them.

FAQ – FEDERAL WORK STUDY

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program that provides part-time jobs on campus for students with financial need. This allows students to earn money to help pay for education expenses. Work-study jobs often focus on community service or work related to your field of study.

How Do I Qualify?

To be eligible for work-study, you must:

  1. Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
  2. Indicate interest in work-study on your FAFSA application.
  3. Meet any enrollment requirements set by WSU Tech.

How Do I Get a Work-Study Job?

  • Check with the Financial Aid Office to see if you’re eligible.
  • Browse available positions on myWSU Tech student portal or campus job boards.
  • Apply for a position and, if hired, follow instructions for completing work-study employment paperwork.

Spots are limited, so apply early if you’re interested!

FAQ – GENERAL INFORMATION

No appointment is needed! Walk-ins are always welcome at the Financial Aid Office. Stop by during office hours for assistance with your financial aid questions.

Financial Aid Office Hours & Contact Information

📅 Office Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Contact Information: WSU Tech Financial Aid Contact

No appointment needed—walk in anytime during office hours!

Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday 8am-5pm

Students can give certain individuals access to their educational records by completing the Consent to Release form. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log into your myWSUTech student portal.
  2. Go to the Student General Information dropdown menu.
  3. Select the “FERPA Release Form” option.
  4. Complete the form to grant access to the individuals of your choice.

Once submitted, the individuals you specify will be able to access your educational records. If you have any questions, contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance.

If your apartment complex needs to verify your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at one of the campuses. Speak with the Director or Assistant Director of Financial Aid, and they will assist you with the verification process.

You can view your course schedule, including the No-Show date, by following these steps:

  1. Log into your myWSU Tech student portal.
  2. Go to the ‘Student’ tab.
  3. View your schedule to find the No-Show date for your courses.

If you have any questions about your schedule, feel free to reach out to your advisor.

FAQ – LOANS

Loan requests are usually processed within 3–5 business days. However, during peak enrollment periods, processing may take a little longer. To ensure timely processing, submit your loan request as early as possible.

  • Entrance Counseling is required prior to borrowing federal student loan funds. It’s a chance to review your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower.
  • The Master Promissory Note (MPN), also known as a Loan Agreement, is a legal document in which you agree to repay your loans, along with any interest and fees, to the Department of Education. It also outlines the terms and conditions of your loan(s).

It typically takes 3-5 business days for our system to reflect that your Entrance Counseling and MPN have been completed and received.

WSU Tech sends monthly reports to the National Clearinghouse, which then sends your enrollment records directly to your loan servicers. This process ensures your loan servicers have up-to-date information about your enrollment status. If you need enrollment verification for other purposes, you can request it by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

FAQ – MILITARY & VA BENEFITS

To apply for military dependent or spouse tuition assistance, follow these steps:

  1. For benefits transferred through the VA:
  2. For military spouses:
    • You can apply through MyCAA, a program specifically for military spouses.

Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and submit your application early to ensure timely assistance.

To set up your VA benefits for tuition payment, you’ll need to submit the following:

  1. Veteran Certification Form (VCF):
    • This form is available at WSU Tech (both in the office and online).
  2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    • The VA will send you this document once you complete the application process with them.

Once you have these documents, bring them to the Financial Aid Office to complete the setup for your benefits.

Payments for housing and book stipends are typically disbursed at the beginning of the month. However, please note that holidays and weekends may cause delays in receiving payments. It’s a good idea to check your payment status periodically if there are any expected delays.

Your VA benefits are issued by the VA on the first day of your class. If you’re enrolled in multiple classes with different start dates, the VA will issue separate payments for each class. Make sure to check your billing status to confirm when each payment is applied.

Yes, you are required to submit a Veteran Certification Form (VCF) every semester to ensure your VA benefits are applied correctly. Be sure to submit the form at the start of each term.

To change your chapter benefits, follow these steps:

  1. Submit the change request through vets.gov or ebenefits.va.gov, depending on where you originally submitted your application.
  2. The VA will review your request and decide if the change can be made.
  3. If approved, you will receive a new Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  4. Submit the updated COE to the WSU Tech Financial Aid Office for processing.

Be sure to contact the VA if you have any questions during this process.

Once we receive your Veteran Certification Form (VCF) and Certificate of Eligibility (COE), it typically takes about two weeks for us to submit your certification to the VA.

Make sure to submit your forms early to avoid delays in the certification process.

Dropping a class can impact your VA benefits in the following ways:

  1. Housing Benefit: If you are receiving a housing stipend, you may be required to return a portion of that benefit if you drop a class.
  2. Tuition Responsibility: Depending on the drop date and whether you attended the class, you may still owe for the class you dropped.

It’s important to check with the VA and the WSU Tech Financial Aid Office to understand how dropping a class will affect your specific benefits.

Visit our Veterans Assistance webpage for information about receiving veterans benefits at WSU Tech.

WSU Tech has certifying officials at the following locations:

  • South Campus: 3821 E. Harry, Wichita, KS, 67218
  • City Center: 301 S. Grove, Wichita, KS, 67211

You can contact the following certifying officials for any VA-related questions:

Feel free to visit or reach out to them for assistance with your VA benefits.

WSU Tech currently does not offer any military scholarships, but continue to check our website for new opportunities:  wsutech.edu/payingforcollege/scholarships

Yes, transferring credit
To receive proper credit for military training, a record of your military credit and training will need to be requested and sent to WSU Tech. Your records will be evaluated in the Registrar’s Office, posted to your transcript at WSU Tech after the evaluation is determined and credit given toward your degree or certificate.
Incoming Transcripts
WSU Tech requires official transcripts from all accredited colleges/universities you have attended be sent to the college.
Please follow the link (https://jst.doded.mil/official.html) for details on accepted transcripts and where they will be sent.
Joint Services Transcript (JST)
Follow the link to request a copy of your JST and have it sent directly to the Registrar Office, as noted under Incoming Transcripts.
This applies to all Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy – Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
Follow this link (https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/CCAF/) to request a copy of your CCAF transcript and have it sent directly to the Registrar Office, as noted under Incoming Transcripts.
This applies to all Air University students in the Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

FAQ – R2T4

If I Drop/Withdraw from My Class(es), How Will That Affect My Financial Aid?

If you drop or withdraw from your classes, it may affect your financial aid due to the Return of Title IV Funds requirement. According to the 2008 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, if you withdraw (either officially or unofficially) from all of your classes on or before the 60% attendance point of the semester, the college is required to calculate the return of federal financial aid funds.

The amount of financial aid you need to repay will be based on a schedule that determines the percentage of the semester you attended, which is calculated using your withdrawal date or last date of attendance.

It’s important to consult with the Financial Aid Office before making any decisions to withdraw from classes, as it could result in owing a portion of your aid.

For detailed information on our Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) policy, please refer to the full policy on our website:
wsutech.edu/return-of-title-iv-funds-policy

This policy outlines the process and guidelines for the return of federal financial aid if you withdraw from all classes during the semester.

The Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation is based on the percentage of the semester completed by the student, in accordance with the college’s Academic Calendar.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Total Number of Calendar Days in the Term:
    The first step is to determine the total number of calendar days in the semester, which includes weekends and holidays.
  2. Number of Days Completed:
    Next, the number of calendar days completed by the student is counted, based on the last date of attendance or withdrawal date.
  3. Percentage of Unearned Aid:
    The percentage of unearned aid is then calculated by dividing the number of days the student attended by the total number of calendar days in the term.
  4. Percentage of Earned Aid:
    The percentage of federal aid the student is entitled to (or has “earned”) is the same as the percentage of the term completed, up to a maximum of 60%.

    • If the withdrawal occurs after 60% of the term has passed, the student is considered to have earned 100% of their federal aid.
  5. Module Programs and Attendance:
    For courses offered in modules, a student is considered to have withdrawn for Title IV purposes if they cease attending any class before completing the full payment period or enrollment period, unless the student confirms in writing that they will attend another module in the same enrollment period.

The Financial Aid Office (FAO) uses these guidelines to determine how much of the federal financial aid needs to be returned based on the amount of the term completed.

FAQ – SAP

Yes, students are allowed one warning semester if they do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. During this warning period, students are still eligible to receive financial aid while working to improve their academic standing. If the student does not meet SAP standards by the end of the warning semester, they may lose financial aid eligibility.

Yes, you can appeal. To do so, please refer to the SAP Policy for the guidelines on how to submit an appeal:
SAP Policy Guidelines

The Higher Education Amendment Act of 1965 requires institutions to set a minimum standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving federal financial aid. This standard applies to all forms of financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional funds.

You may be on financial aid warning or aid denied if you are not meeting the SAP requirements, which are evaluated at the end of each spring semester and any applicable summer session. SAP is assessed annually for all students, regardless of whether they received financial aid during the term.

Students who are re-admitted also need to meet the SAP standards to be eligible for financial aid.

If you’re on financial aid warning or denied, you may need to appeal or improve your academic performance to regain eligibility for aid.

Yes, to receive financial aid, you are required to:

  1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  2. Complete at least 67% of all coursework attempted.
  3. Attempt fewer than 150% of the credits required for your program of study.

These requirements are part of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, which ensures you are progressing towards completing your degree on time while maintaining a good academic standing.

FAQ – SCHOLARSHIPS

WSU Tech offers a variety of scholarships and is continuously exploring new opportunities. To view the current available scholarships and learn how to apply, please visit the following link: WSU Tech Scholarships

Once you apply, you will be notified about your scholarship status. Be sure to check your student email and portal for updates.

Students are eligible to receive only one institutional scholarship per semester. However, you may be able to receive additional scholarships from external sources, depending on the specific requirements of those scholarships.

FAQ – SUMMER AID

Summer financial aid eligibility is determined when a student completes a Request for Repackaging form.
For most programs, financial aid is initially awarded for the fall and spring semesters. If a student decides to attend in the summer semester, they will need to submit a Request for Repackaging form to notify the Financial Aid Office that you would like to request financial aid for the summer semester. You will receive an email when the revised aid offer is ready.
Please note that summer aid is subject to the annual limits of financial aid that were already used during the fall and spring semesters.

No, you do not need to submit another FAFSA for the summer semester. Your FAFSA from the current academic year will cover summer financial aid eligibility. However, if your initial financial aid offer does not include summer aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to complete a Request for Repackaging form to confirm your intent to attend during the summer.

The summer term is treated as a trailer at WSU Tech. This means it is considered the final term in the academic year for financial aid purposes.

  • Remaining Financial Aid: If you have remaining financial aid eligibility, you may use it for summer courses.
  • Payment Plan: If your financial aid has been exhausted, you can set up a payment plan with the Business Office to cover the cost of your summer courses.
Request Info
Get Started

Accreditation

WSU Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 • Chicago, IL 60604
https://www.hlcommission.org/ • 800.621.7440

Students interested in select programs are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.