Financial Aid Resources and Timelines for College

What is the FAFSA?

• The FAFSA (Free Application for  Federal Student Aid) is the free online application students can use to receive federal aid for college. 
• The FAFSA will allow a student to apply for grants, loans, and work-study.

What is the TASFA?

• The TASFA (Texas Application for Student Financial Aid) is the free application students can use to receive state aid for college.
• The TASFA will allow a student to apply for grants and possible work-study and possible loans.

Both the FAFSA and TASFA will allow a student to access for different kinds of financial aid:

1. Scholarships: Awards that students MUST APPLY FOR that are based on need, merit, or achievement that DO NOT HAVE TO BE REPAID.
2. Grants: Awards that students QUALIFY for vs. applying for that are mostly awarded on the basis of need and DO NOT HAVE TO BE REPAID.
3. Work Study: On and sometimes off-campus jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Hours are limited. Students must apply for this aid through the FAFSA or the TASFA.
4. Loans: Money that is BORROWED and MUST BE REPAID WITH INTEREST. There are different types of loans and it is important to research the best fit for each student and family.

Which financial aid application fits my needs?

Depending on the situation, Seniors can apply for financial aid one of two ways:

• If you have a Social Security Number, you will fill out the FAFSA
• If you do not have a Social Security Number or have a Social Security Number through DACA, you will fill out the TASFA

**Both applications are NOW Open for 2022-2023*

• Most Seniors will apply for FAFSA or TASFA as a dependent, meaning they will have to provide information about their parents. Wondering whether you're independent or dependent? CLICK HERE 

Seniors

SAISD is committed to support families with the FAFSA or TASFA application process. 

October 18-22 San Angelo Community FAFSA Week

November 15 - 19  SAISD FAFSA/TASFA Week

Central High School - 659-3434
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Email Maria Ashworth at maria.ashworth@saisd.org  to make an appointment.

Lake View High School - 659-3500
Time 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Please complete the FAFSA Appointment Sign-up Form to request an appointment.   Lake View will email an appointment confirmation.

I am ready to apply using FAFSA

• Before you begin:
  • Refer to this FAFSA Checklist
  • Gather the necessary documents including parent W-2 Forms and tax forms 1040 for the year prior.
• You and your parents must make an FSA ID. This is like a username and it makes it easier once you are ready to submit! 
  • Click on the following link to make one: Create an Account (FSA ID)
• After you have made your FSA ID, you can begin your application.
  • Click on the following link to begin: FAFSA® Application 
    • Select "Start Here"
    • Select the appropriate options
    • Login with your FSA ID to get started

If you are not able to complete the FAFSA, due to foreign status, see the TASFA information below.

I am ready to apply using TASFA

• Click on the appropriate link below:
  • Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)—with Instructions
  • Solicitud para ayuda economica estatal de Texas (TASFA)-con Instrucciones
• NOTE: You will have to submit a separate application for each college that you apply to.
• For more information you can view this helpful TASFA video

**Documents you need:

• Parent tax return, tax transcript, and W-2’s for the year prior (2020)
• Student tax return, tax transcript, and W-2’s for the year prior (2020)
• Required documents vary from school to school: What Does My College Need?

What if I do not need guidance on filling out the FAFSA or TASFA at this time?

A student may opt out of the financial aid application graduation requirement if: 

• a parent or guardian submits a signed form; 
• the student is 18 years of age or older and submits a signed form; or
• a school counselor authorizes the student to decline to complete and submit the application for good cause.

Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form
Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form - SPANISH

Resources:

Red Kite: College Financial Aid, Untangled
Federal  Student Aid is the definitive source for information on the FAFSA and federal aid processes. 
State Financial Aid Program Resources provides an overview of the TASFA and state aid opportunities.
Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA) offers current information about student services, financial aid, legislative news and more including Financial Aid training.
Common myths about financial aid - Don’t fall for these myths about federal student aid and the application process!
FAFSA® Form Tips- helpful videos describeing the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)