FAFSA 

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is how students apply for both federal and state financial aid for higher education. This application must be completed each year a student wants to receive aid towards their education. The application opens in December of each year. 

**Starting with the class of 2022, the state of Texas will require students to complete their FAFSA (or a waiver) to graduate from high school.**

What documents will I need to submit my FAFSA? 

Social Security number 

Parent's Social Security numbers

Federal tax information or tax returns

For a more extensive list of what is required, click here

Steps to complete your FAFSA

**Students do not pay to complete the FAFSA, it is the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid**

1. Create your FSA ID at www.studentaid.gov 

a. Use a personal email address, not your school issued one!

2. Have your parent/legal guardian create their FSA ID

a. You and your parent/legal guardian must use separate email addresses to keep the two FSA IDs separate.

3. Check your email for the verification from FAFSA that your account has successfully been created. 

4. Log in to your FAFSA account and follow the prompts to file your FAFSA. 

5. Colleges will receive your FAFSA and follow up if any additional documents are needed.

• Refer to your Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid for information about financial aid as you work through the FAFSA process

• Make informed decisions about student loans. The following resources are important at this point: "Federal Versus Private Loans" and "Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt,"