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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens up your SENIOR YEAR!
Class of 2027, the 2027-2028 FAFSA is now open!
Click here to complete the 2027-2028 FAFSA!
Beginning 2021-2022, Texas high school students must apply for financial aid or submit a signed opt-out form in order to gradate. See TEA graduation requirement here.
To complete the requirement:
Step 1: Complete ONE of the options below
Complete FAFSA, (only for US citizens and eligible non-citizens)
Complete TASFA (only for non-citizens who are Texas residents)
Complete Opt-Out Form
Step 2: Upload a screenshot of completion to SchooLinks (accessed through My Katy Cloud).
RESOURCES
2027-2028 FAFSA Guide and Scenarios - most MRHS seniors will be considered dependent students and will be required to include parent information
My Texas Future - Financial Aid Information
CSS Profile - Some colleges require a CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA or TASFA
Texas OnCourse - Comprehensive guide to financial aid
MRHS Class of 2027 Financial Aid Night Presentation - View here!
NOTE: Students complete the FAFSA/TASFA for the school year in which they will be in college, NOT the current class year. For example, class of 2027 students will complete the 2027-2028 FAFSA in October 2026 for their freshman year of college, 2027-2028.
2026-2027 Colleges Offering Free Tuition.pdfTuition Guarantee Promises by College
Many colleges in Texas offer promises to fully fund the cost of tuition and fees at their institution for qualifying students. To qualify, there are typically requirements regarding FAFSA completion deadlines, income requirements, and admissibility.
The 2026 publication to the left lists details of various colleges offering tuition guarantees. Click to open the file and scroll through all three pages to explore college options.
*Many colleges now offer support for families with higher incomes than those listed in this publication. Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.
As with everything, you, the applicant, need to research to see if the college you are applying to has a similar program.
CSS Profile
CSS Profile
Some colleges (see list here), primarily highly selective universities, require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA or TASFA. The CSS Profile is very detailed, but many of the universities that require the CSS Profile use that information to offer better funding than what the FAFSA may indicate.
Pro Tips
Pro Tips
List every college/trade school to which you have applied or plan to apply on your FAFSA. That is the only way the school will receive your FAFSA.
Dependent students, which is nearly all of our students, are required to have a parent contributor on the FAFSA. If parent(s) refuse to participate in the financial aid application process, students will be ineligible for grants, subsidized loans, work study and some scholarships.
After you submit your FAFSA, check your Submission Summary within a few days. This is where you will see your Student Aid Index (SAI), if you qualify for the Pell Grant, and if you need to make any corrections.
If you are a TASFA applicant, save a copy of your TASFA application. Also, make sure you submit everything that is required, including a signed and notarized affidavit of intent and selective service registration (for males only).
Each college to which you have been admitted and sent your FAFSA or TASFA (and CSS Profile, if required) will send you a Financial Aid Award Letter. Nearly all colleges will post this in the student's college portal, which should be set up within a few days after submitting the admissions application. Check that college portal often to:
ensure all required documents have been received,
track admissions decision,
review financial aid offer/award letter,
apply for housing and meal plans,
and more!
Submit Proof to Meet the Texas Graduation Requirement
To meet the TEA graduation requirement, students must submit proof of submission of either the FAFSA or TASFA or an opt-out form.
Evidence of Submission
Evidence of Submission
The screenshot you submit to SchooLinks proving FAFSA completion must include the senior's full name, the correct FAFSA year, and the date submitted. You can get this on the completion screen or in your confirmation email as shown above.
Submitting Proof
Submitting Proof
Once you get a screenshot of your evidence of submission of the FAFSA or TASFA, follow the instructions above to submit proof to SchooLinks. This will meet the graduation requirement.
Submitting the Opt-Out
Submitting the Opt-Out
If you choose to complete the Opt-Out Form instead of the FAFSA or TASFA, follow the instructions above to submit your Opt-Out Form.
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