September is National College Savings Month; Washburn University encourages students and families to take advantage of resources

Topeka, Kan. - For many prospective college students, planning for the financial realities of higher education becomes a last-minute decision that can lead to expensive loans and student debt.

To help combat the rising costs of higher education, and in commemoration of National College Savings Month, Washburn University reminds the Northeast Kansas community of the array of financial aid resources that are available for college and technical school. Reducing student debt for Washburn students has been a major facet of Washburn President JuliAnn Mazachek's strategic focus since taking the role in 2023. In 2026, Washburn graduates reported the lowest student debt of any public regional university in Kansas - and the fifth lowest in the entire Midwest - according to U.S. News and World Report.

"We are so incredibly proud of the work our graduates put in to achieve their dreams, and it is our goal to ensure Washburn students continue to graduate with minimal student debt so they can focus on their careers and lives beyond the classroom after graduation," said Mazachek.

Financial Aid and the FAFSA

Washburn strongly encourages all potential college students beginning classes in Fall 2027 to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of their college destination, as soon as the application opens on Oct. 1. Students wishing to attend Washburn will need to apply using Washburn's federal school code, 001949. Completing the FASFA takes 30 minutes or less. In addition to students coming directly from high school, adult learners, transfer students and returning students also are encouraged to complete their FAFSA to find out which financial aid they are eligible to receive.

Washburn's priority date for the FAFSA is July 1, 2027, but the sooner students complete their FAFSA, the more opportunities they have to receive federal aid and the sooner they will find out how much they are eligible to receive. In addition, Washburn's Financial Aid team has already begun visiting high schools this fall for informational sessions and to help students and their families complete their FAFSA.

For more information about completing the FAFSA, visit Washburn.edu/FAFSA-guide.

Scholarships

Washburn students have access to a variety of scholarships, including GPA-based Merit Scholarships worth up to $20,000 total ($5,000 per year) for freshmen and $12,000 total ($4,000 per year) for transfer students. Students are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships upon applying to the university if they apply prior to the July 1 priority deadline for fall-start students (Nov. 1 for spring start). Test scores are not required to receive a Merit Scholarship or to apply, but they are required for some university scholarships. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, apply to Washburn for free at Washburn.edu/apply.

In addition to Merit Scholarships, Washburn offers:

- The Shawnee County Promise - up to full tuition for financially eligible Shawnee County residents
- The Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship - $1,000 per year to Shawnee County high school graduates
- The Presidential & Bryden Scholarships - $1,000 - $2,500 per year to Shawnee County residents, must have 3.5 GPA and be nominated by guidance counselor
- The Wiseman Scholarship - $500 per year, awarded to students who graduate from Topeka High School, Topeka West High School or Highland Park High School with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- The Northeast Kansas Advantage - up to full tuition for financially eligible students from qualifying counties in Northeast Kansas
- The Garvey Scholarship Competition - up to $1,500 per year, must have 3.5+ GPA and complete an essay
- The Richey Scholarship - up to $10,000 per year, must have 3.9+ GPA and an ACT composite score of 28+
- Shaw Scholarship - up to $1,250 per year for pre-law or pre-medicine majors, must have 3.5+ GPA and 28+ ACT composite score
Other university scholarships, including departmental scholarships, honors and leadership scholarships, athletic scholarships, single-parent scholarships, military scholarships and a legacy scholarship through the Washburn Alumni Association for family members of Washburn students or graduates.

In addition, students can easily find external scholarships through ScholarshipUniverse (Washburn.edu/su), the university's scholarship matching tool. ScholarshipUniverse helps students discover scholarships they are eligible to receive based on the information they provide about themselves.

Learn more about all of Washburn's scholarship opportunities at Washburn.edu/scholarships.

Financial Wellness Education at Washburn

Washburn also partners locally with Azura Credit Union to provide helpful tools to teach students about financial literacy and savings. In addition to offering its members free financial counseling and having dedicated digital resources, Azura hosts more than 40 skills shops annually at Washburn, covering a range of topics, including budgeting, saving, building an emergency fund and mastering college finances.

For more information, visit the Azura Credit Union Washburn Portal at azuracu.com/washburn.

Since 2003, September has marked National College Savings Month in the United States. During this time, families are encouraged to plan and save early for future education expenses through resources such as the Quest 529 college savings program. These unique plans for Kansans offer unique tax advantages, low fees and expenses, flexibility in paying for various expenses and multiple investment portfolios from which to choose. Learn more about saving for college at quest529.com.

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