FINANCIAL AID is defined as money awarded to a student to assist with the costs of higher education. Typically this category of monetary assistance for college includes: grants, loans, work study programs. Scholarships are included in financial aid package calculations; although there is often a different application process for most university scholarships. To receive ANY money from a Financial Aid Office, students AND parents must complete a FAFSA Application.
QUICK FACTS: the STUDENT AND PARENT will request an FSA ID before October 1st.
Students will begin completing the 2026/2027 FAFSA beginning October 1st and will INVITE parents to contribute. Parents will use 2024 Tax information to complete the 26-27 FAFSA for students starting college in the Fall 2026.
STUDENTS are required to complete the FAFSA/ TASFA to meet graduation requirements.
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
When do I complete the FAFSA?
The application opens October 1st of every year. THIS YEAR THE APPLICATION IS SET TO OPEN OCTOBER 1st.
Senior families should try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure maximum award if the student qualifies. The State of Texas has a financial aid priority deadline of March 1st for most universities. Financial Aid is first come, first serve - so apply early to maximize your financial aid package and "free money".
What do I need to apply?
1. Student must be a US Citizen to receive Federal Financial Aid
* Permanent Residents/DACA students complete TASFA Application (located in the College and Career Center)
2. Students AND parent will need to request FSA ID from the FAFSA website.
* if parent already has a child in college, there is no need to request another PIN for the parent
3. A copy of income tax return forms for student and/or parent will be needed to complete questions.
4. Log into website fafsa.ed.gov and complete the application.
5. Contact University Financial Aid office or check student's financial aid status on university website a couple weeks after submission.
BEWARE OF SCAMS or INCORRECT WEBSITES. The application is FREE! If they ask you for money to complete the application, it is a scam!
HOW CAN I KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY MY FAMILY WILL BE EXPECTED TO PAY?
PARENTS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING A PROJECTION OF WHAT THE FAFSA WILL PREDICT THE FAMILY EXPECTATION FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COLLEGE TUITION/COSTS CAN GO THROUGH A SIMULATION TO RECEIVE THEIR
E.F.C. (EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION).
SCHOLARSHIPS
3. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS - CY-FAIR EDUC FOUNDATION, VFW, KIWANIS,
RV CLUBS, MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS, CHARITY GROUPS, ETC.
4. LIBRARY RESOURCES AND BOOKS.
5. COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY- IMPORTANT: SOME UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINES ARE BEFORE ADMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINES!!!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
6. PARENT EMPLOYERS