Financial Aid

Navigating the world of college costs and financial aid can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Here in Texas, applying for financial aid is a key step not just for graduation, but for making your post-secondary dreams a reality. This page is your go-to guide, designed to simplify the process and show you how to access money that can help pay for college, trade school, or other training programs.

We'll walk you through the two main applications – FAFSA and TASFA – explain what you need to do and show you how to meet this Texas graduation requirement of filling out an application for financial aid. Get ready to discover how accessible your future can be!

• Free Money for College! Seriously, millions of dollars in grants (money you don't pay back) go unclaimed every year. Filling out the FAFSA or TASFA is your ticket to potentially getting some of that money for college, trade school, or other training.

• Aid for All: You Might Qualify Even if You Don't Think So! Many families think they make too much money for financial aid, but you'd be surprised! There are different types of aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study), and even middle-income families can qualify for something.

• Colleges Need It: Most colleges and universities require you to submit one of these applications to be considered for any financial aid they offer, even their own scholarships.

• Plan B is a Plan A! Even if you're not 100% sure about college yet, it's smart to apply. You can always decide later, but you can't get aid if you haven't applied.

• It's a State of Texas Graduation Requirement. The requirement is a proactive measure by the state of Texas to empower students by connecting them with financial resources that can unlock their post-secondary education and career opportunities, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the state's future. Click here for comprehensive information and resources for the Texas financial aid graduation requirement.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):

  • Who it's for: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens.

  • What it gets you: Federal grants (like Pell Grants), federal student loans, federal work-study, and usually state and institutional aid too. This is the main one most students will fill out.

  • How to apply: Online at studentaid.gov. You and one parent (if you're dependent) will need to create an FSA ID first.

• TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid):

  • Who it's for: Texas residents who are NOT eligible to fill out the FAFSA (often undocumented students or those with specific visa types). You still have to meet Texas residency requirements.

  • What it gets you: State-based financial aid and institutional aid from Texas colleges.

  • How to apply: It's often a paper form or an electronic version provided by individual colleges. You can find the official form on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) website or through resources like Texas OnCourse. Please ask your college & career advisor or school counselor for help.

Key Tip: Don't fill out both! If you're eligible for FAFSA, complete that one. If not, then explore TASFA.

1. Gather Your Docs Early: This is the biggest hurdle! You'll need:

• Social Security Numbers: For you and your parents (if applicable).

• Tax Information: Most likely, your parents' federal tax returns, W-2s, and other income records from two years prior to the school year you're applying for. (e.g., For the 2025-2026 school year, you'll use 2023 tax info).

• Bank Statements: Info on savings and checking account balances.

• Records of Investments: (if applicable)

• FSA ID (for FAFSA only): Both the student and one parent (if dependent) need to create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov. This acts as your electronic signature. Create it before you start the FAFSA!

2. Start Early (October 1st!): The FAFSA and TASFA open on October 1st each year for the following academic year. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get priority for limited funds.

• Texas Priority Deadline: Usually around January 15th for state aid. Aim for this!

3. Use Free Resources:

• Your College & Career Advisor or School Counselor: They are your go-to person for help, questions, and finding helpful resources.

• Path to Post-Secondary Resource Hub (this website): Browse through this Financial Aid section to find answers and resources that address your needs.

• Texas OnCourse: This is an amazing state resource specifically for Texas students. Their website (texasoncourse.org/students-and-families/) has tons of guides, videos, and tools, including a dedicated section on the financial aid graduation requirement.

• Federal Student Aid Website: studentaid.gov is the official source for FAFSA help.

• College for All Texans: collegeforalltexans.com has info on state aid.

• College Financial Aid Offices: If you know which colleges you're applying to, their financial aid offices are there to help!

4. Don't Pay for Help: The FAFSA is FREE. Be wary of any service that asks you to pay to fill it out.

While we encourage every student to apply for financial aid, the state law does allow you to opt out. Here's how it generally works:

• Official Opt-Out Form: Your school will provide an official "Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form" from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). 

  • You (if 18+ or emancipated): If you're 18 or older, you can sign it yourself.

  • Your Parent/Guardian: They can sign to decline on your behalf, or sign to authorize you to decline.

  • Your College & Career Advisor or School Counselor: For "good cause" determined by the counselor and student, they can authorize the opt-out. This usually means there's a specific, valid reason why the application isn't feasible.

• Good to Know:

  • You don't typically need to provide a reason for opting out if you or your parent sign.

  • Opting out does not stop you from applying for financial aid later if you change your mind! It just fulfills the graduation requirement for that school year.

  • Even if you opt out, your college & career advisor or school counselor will still be available to discuss options and resources with you.

Crucial Advice for Students: Even if you think you might opt out, talk to your college & career advisor or school counselor first! They can help you understand all your options and make sure you're not missing out on potential aid that could make a huge difference for your future.

By following these clear steps and understanding the benefits, you'll be able to confidently meet this important graduation requirement!