FAFSA/TAFSA

FAFSA Deadline Reminder - January 15, 2026

Submitting your FAFSA by January 15 gives you the best chance to receive the most financial aid. Many types of aid—like grants and work-study jobs—are limited and are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying early puts you at the front of the line.

You can still submit the FAFSA after January 15, but you will miss out on some of the free money and only qualify for things like student loans.

For Texas students, this deadline is especially important because it can also open the door to state financial aid programs. Be sure to check the deadline for each college you’re applying to, since dates can vary.

Completing the financial aid application is essential because it helps your student access important college funding - and it's also a graduation requirement in the state of Texas!

Submitting the application on time ensures students stay on track for graduation and have the best chance to receive financial support.

The priority deadline is January 15, 2026 - with most Dallas County Promise schools requiring it to be completed and processed by that date.

If you need help with the financial aid application process, please reach out to us at the GPHS College and Career Center. Advisors: ma.rodriguez@gpisd.org or kamtaylor@gpisd.org

FAFSA

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application to apply for any federal financial aid, grants and scholarships. Students must have a copy of their parent/guardian's taxes from the previous year in order to complete the form. (So Class of 2026, you would use your parent's 2024 tax return). Students must first apply for a FSA ID at FSA ID. Students can begin to complete the FAFSA starting TBD in December.

FAFSA Application

TAFSA

TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid is the application to apply for state aid. This form is only used for students who are Texas residents but do not qualify for federal student aid. Students must have a copy of their parent/guardians financial information. Students can complete the TASFA online and submit it to any college in Texas they are planning to attend.

HOW CAN I PAY FOR COLLEGE?

There are four main ways to pay for your post secondary plans:

FAFSA/TAFSA (federal or state money given to students to pay for college or trade school, the amount is based on the income of your parent/guardian)
Student Loans (student loans is money you borrow from the bank to pay for school, the money has to be paid in payments after a student finishes school)
Scholarships (money awarded to students based upon various accomplishments, check out the scholarship page for options)
Personal Savings or Work (money you or your family have saved for college and/or money you earn working while in school)

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