• Regardless of income, all families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually because it is required for all federal financial aid and most state and institutional aid. The FAFSA is available for the upcoming graduating class beginning on October 1. You will need your previous year's tax information to complete the FAFSA. 

    Additionally, the local financial aid offices at the local colleges will be happy to assist students and their families in FAFSA completion. 

    There are four types of financial aid that you may qualify for:

    Pell Grants: these provide need-based grants to undergraduate students. This money does not have to be repaid (unless you withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period).

    State Aid: this is primarily available to students who attend a college in their state of residence. These funds are limited, so the earlier you apply the greater the chance that you may qualify for this kind of aid. 

    Federal Work Study: is offered by colleges to help their students earn money by working part-time on campus. Again, these funds are limited, so apply early for greater opportunity.

    Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized): these are available to undergraduate students attending college at least half-time. These will need to be repaid regardless of whether you finish your education.

    To get started you and a parent will need to apply for a FSA ID which allows you to sign the FAFSA. The application (which is free) is found at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid. You will need your parent(s) and your federal income tax return to complete the FAFSA.

    It is important that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. The earlier you submit the sooner you find out what types of aid you will qualify for which will help in planning your college budget. Please know that you must be admitted to a college to be considered for financial aid, so don't forget that important step too. 

    This interactive online tool Kansas Degree Stats reviews cost and earnings data from real graduates for each undergraduate degree program offered at a public university or college in Kansas. With hundreds of degree programs available, there are many factors to consider when selecting the institution and the degree program that are the best match for you. Explore this site to learn more about the specific costs of each undergraduate degree program offered in Kansas, and the earnings those graduates are making today.