FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA opens October 1, 2026

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get financial assistance from the federal government to help pay for college. Each year, over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education. The Texas Priority Deadline for FAFSA is January 15. 

Many colleges and scholarship programs also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial & merit scholarships.

The RISD College & Career Advisors will host multiple Financial Aid Nights, led in English and Spanish, to assist families with this process. 

Parents can begin preparing for FAFSA/TASFA by locating the following information:

• Your StudentAid.gov account

• Your contributor information

• Your federal income tax return (accessible online)

• Records of your child support received

• Records of your assets

• List of schools you’re interested in attending

2027 Financial Aid requirement submission

Submit Proof of Completion - due by December 1

How Much with College / University / Trade School Cost?