2026-2027 FAFSA Form FAQs & Issues (Wichita State University)
How do I apply for aid?
To apply for Federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and quick, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
For further instructions on applying for Federal aid and completing the FAFSA, including what documents you'll need, visit the Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
What information will I need to fill out a FAFSA® form?
You’ll need the following to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form:
For those completing a 2026-2027 FAFSA form, you need the following information:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your A-Number (if you're not a U.S. citizen)
- Federal income tax returns, records of child support received; and your current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts (Note: You must provide consent and approval to disclose your federal tax information to be eligible for federal student aid.)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable), net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID (account username and password) to log in to StudentAid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically
What is an FSA ID, and will I need it to complete the FAFSA® form?
The FSA ID (account username and password) allows individuals to access Federal Student Aid websites and complete the FAFSA form online.
For the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, students and contributors (parents or spouses) are required to have an FSA ID to complete and sign the form online.
If you don't already have an FSA ID, you can create an FSA ID.
If you have an FSA ID but don't remember your username, select "Forgot Username." Note: If you verified your email address or mobile phone number during account creation, you can enter your email address or mobile phone number instead of your username.
If you have an FSA ID but don't remember your password, select "Forgot Password."
Contributors: If you previously created an FSA ID when you were a student, you don’t need to create another one. You can only have one FSA ID.
How do I report my family’s special financial circumstances on the FAFSA® form? (2026-27)
If you or your family have experienced special financial circumstances, submit a completed FAFSA form as instructed and then notify the financial aid office at Wichita State University. The office of Financial Aid & Scholarships may take these special circumstances into account and adjust your FAFSA information. When you meet with them, they may ask you to document your special circumstances so that they can consider making an adjustment to your FAFSA information.
Examples of special circumstances may include the following:
- significant changes to your financial situation, such as loss of employment or pay cuts
- tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
- high amounts of medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
- a family member who recently became unemployed
- other changes in income or assets that may affect your eligibility for federal student aid
To schedule an advising appointment with Wichita State University Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, visit wichita.edu/finaidappt. We can also forward this request to them to provide outreach to you.
Can I just delete my application and start over?
Yes, you can. Though not the always-recommended option, it sometimes can help if you are stuck with a website/application issue.
Can I complete a paper FAFSA and mail it in?
While mailing your 2026-2027 FAFSA is an option; we recommend that you complete your FAFSA on the web at studentaid.gov for faster review/processing of your data and financial aid results.
For more help, visit our webpage: wichita.edu/FAFSA or make an appointment with our financial aid advisors