Washburn University Hosts Two Events to Help Students Apply for FAFSA, Prioritize Low Debt

     Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University’s Mabee Library is hosting two events to help students learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and fill out their application. Financial aid experts from the Washburn University financial aid office will be at the event to help students and for any questions. These events are free and are open to all Washburn University students.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

• 5 - 7 p.m.
• Mabee Library

Tuesday, Oct. 25

• 5 - 7 p.m.
• Mabee Library

     FAFSA determines student’s federal financial aid eligibility, such as grants, loans and work study. FAFSA becomes available every year on October 1 and the priority date for Washburn University is November 15. The priority date is used to award limited supplemental funds to eligible students. Filing for FAFSA is free.

    “Last year there was more than $1 million of extra funds from limited grants and work study available to students,” said Andy Fogel, director of financial aid for Washburn University. “Typically, students that file the FAFSA early have a better chance at receiving that funding.”

     This is why Washburn is hosting two events in October, well before the November 15 priority date. Applications filed now will determine a student’s eligibility for the fall 2023/spring 2024 academic year. And, some scholarships require that a student has filed their FAFSA application first to be eligible.

     U.S. News and World Report recently recognized Washburn as the best public regional university in Kansas and the 14th best public regional university in the Midwest. In addition, Washburn was ranked as the top public regional university in Kansas for student veterans, as well as having the lowest typical student debt at graduation. The ranking as 5th Lowest Debt among Regional Public Universities in the Midwest is based on the amount graduates borrowed through federal loans. About 54 percent of incoming freshmen at Washburn use federal loans to help pay for college.

-30-

       Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 6,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees.  The programs are offered through Washburn’s six primary academic units – the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Law and the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

      All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech’s campus on Topeka’s west side or in the east Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

      Washburn is ranked best public regional university in Kansas and 14^th best public regional university by U.S. News and World Report 2022-2023.