Individual Institutions
FIRST, check the institutions to which you are applying for admission. The bulk of finanical aid and scholarship opportunity can often come directly from the colleges you're applying to. Each College/University often has their own financial aid and scholarship process and that can vary from instituion to instiution, so it is always best to ask questions of the Financial Aid Offices at your prospective schools.
Many institutions may recommend or require students to complete the FAFSA or the CCS Profile to help institutions determine financial aid options. See below for more details.
Investing time in researching scholarships can open doors to valuable financial support for college and reduce future student debt. By carefully reviewing eligibility requirements and application details, you can submit stronger applications and maximize your chances of earning free money for your education. See below for more details about ways to access more scholarship opportunities.
We encourage seniors and their parents to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can begin filling out this application when it opens in October of the year prior to starting college to determine financial aid eligibility and often it is a requirement for institutional merit-based scholarships. Each school will have their own priority deadline, however financial aid is first-come, first-served. Filing the FAFSA is easier than ever since it will be relying on prior prior year income and tax information and will automatically link to your tax information.
FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid // video overview
All colleges will require the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid (grants, loans, work-study)
The FAFSA application opens each year on October 1 and must be completed annually
The Federal Student Aid Estimator can be used to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid using past tax information. For more information about financial aid, check out FinAid.
Students and Parents may also reach out to the Texas Financial Aid Information Center for help with filling out the form at home by calling 1-888-311-8881.
Some private institutions may require the FAFSA and CSS Profile
The CSS Profile opens each year on October 1 and must be completed annually
Scholarships are a form of financial aid, but are considered merit-based (and may have a need-based component)
Scholarships (video)
NAVIANCE: Under the Colleges tab, there is a section devoted specifically for scholarships. You will need to sift through the many opportunities, but there are many right at your fingertips.
Networking: Parents, reach out to your work corporations and see if there are any scholarship opportunities that they may provide.
See below for specific scholarship oppotunities that have come our way
Understanding the Costs of College (video)
Check this page frequently for updated scholarship opportunities.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS:
Coming soon.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS:
Coming soon.