Financial Aid Resources and Timelines for College

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 meet one of the following eligibility requirements, you will fill out the FAFSA. 
  • U.S. Citizen
  • U.S. National
  • U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Eligible Noncitizen
  • Live in U.S. territories
  • Have a valid social security number
• If you do not have a Social Security Number or have a Social Security Number through DACA, you will fill out the TASFA. To qualify for state financial aid, a student must meet the following state financial aid eligibility requirements:
  • Graduate from a public or private high school or receive a high school equivalency in Texas
  • Reside in Texas for at least three years (36 months) leading up to high school graduation or receiving a high school equivalency
  • Reside in Texas for 12 consecutive months right before the semester the student enrolls in college
  • Provide the institution a notarized affidavit stating that the student will submit an application to become a US permanent resident as soon as they are eligible to do so

**Both applications open on October 1, 2022.

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 

I am ready to apply using FAFSA

• Before you begin:
  • Refer to this FAFSA Checklist
  • Gather the necessary documentsincluding parent W-2 Forms and tax forms 1040 for the year prior.
• Before beginning your FAFSA application, you and your parents must create 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

• TASFA Online will be available starting in October 2022.
• 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 (2021)
• Student tax return, tax transcript, and W-2’s for the year prior (2021)
• Required documents vary from school to school. We encourage our students to double check each college’s deadline.

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

All Opt-Out Forms must be submitted to the campus counseling center. 

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 describing the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Understanding TASFA Eligibility