WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- Wichita State University is advising current and future students to start submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 school year. States and schools use the form to determine if a student is eligible for grants, scholarships and loans. WSU says students should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. The school's priority date for aid programs with limited funding is April 1, 2025. Other schools may have different priority deadlines. For example, Kansas State University has a priority date of March 1, 2025. Students can now apply for federal college aid. Officials hope for a smoother rollout this year “Submitting your FAFSA is the first step to getting thousands of dollars in need-based scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities to make college more affordable,” Sheelu Surender, executive director of Financial Aid and Scholarship, said in a news release. “Applying early helps students guarantee they unlock as many dollars as they can.” Tips for the FAFSA: Students new to FAFSA will first need a Federal Student Aid ID. They can get one at StudentAid.gov. Use your personal email address when creating your FSA ID to ensure you continue to have access to your account for future semesters. Students whose parents don’t have a Social Security Number will need their parents to create an FSA ID that is separate from the student’s. Keep your FSA ID information saved in a safe location or use a password manager so you don’t lose access. Click here for WSU's guide for everything you need to complete your FAFSA. Students with questions about the FAFSA or tuition can call Wichita State’s Office of Financial Aid at 316-978-3430 or schedule an appointment online. You can also learn more by visiting wichita.edu/FAFSA.