Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Information
Embedded Files
It all starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With this one application, you can apply for financial aid at multiple colleges and from multiple funding sources (federal, state, institutional and private providers of assistance).
You must complete and submit a free FAFSA form in order to be eligible to receive financial aid or student loans through the federal government. Many scholarship applications also require you to complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible to apply.
Financial Aid for ALL Graduating Students
Who is it for?
All graduating students planning to attend college should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
What is it?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that provides information on your family's financial need to colleges so that grants and loans can be offered.
Where do I fill it out?
The online application can be found at WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV and is offered in English and Spanish
When is it due?
Application becomes available October 1st of each year. The earlier you apply, the more money you may be eligible for.
What personal information do I need?
-Social Security Number
-most recent federal income tax returns
-W-2s
-bank statements and records of investments
-any un-taxed income records
**To ensure accuracy, you can submit a tax transcript in place of the documents listed above by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool at IRS.GOV The new FAFSA system utilizes information based on the previous year's tax return. You no longer need to wait on completing the current year's tax return in order to file the application.
**Tax information is needed for both student and parents, if student makes a specified amount of money.
What else do I need to do?
Create a FSA ID number.
An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.
Only create an FSA ID using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You are not authorized to create an FSA ID on behalf of someone else, including a family member. Misrepresentation of your identity to the federal government could result in criminal or civil penalties.
Video Tutorial for Creating a FSA ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really free money for college?
Colleges, the State of Texas and the Federal Government award grants (free money) based on family income. The only way to know how much you will receive is to complete your FAFSA or TASFA.
Will I be able to afford college? I hear it costs a lot.
The great thing about most financial aid is that it is based on your family income. In other words, the less your family can help you pay for college, the more assistance you receive .
Why is my immigration status important?
In order to receive federal financial aid (Pell Grant and Stafford Loan) you must be a citizen or permanent resident. Students under a T-visa or who qualify as a Battered Immigrant also qualify for federal financial aid. DACA, immigrant students, and students under their parents’ visa qualify for Texas Financial Aid, such as the Texas Grant.
I have a Social Security number but I’m not a FAFSA student. Can I apply for the FAFSA?
Most Texas public and private colleges require Category 2 students to complete a paper TASFA. Out of state schools and a few Texas colleges require category 2 students to complete a FAFSA. Check with the financial aid office at each college you apply to.
Which visa categories qualify for in-state tuition if I have lived in Texas for less than 3 years? Click “Visa’s that qualify for Federal Domicile”
Step by step VIDEO tutorial for FAFSA
Dependency Status Questions and Answers
College For All Texans-Financial Aid
This link will take you to the College For All Texans website. It helps to answer some of those questions that you may have been wondering about such as applying for financial aid and exemptions that you may qualify for. It's important to research so you don't miss a out on a costly opportunity.
Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid
This Compendium contains a list of colleges and universities in the State of Texas, admission requirements, total expenses for an academic year, financial aid data and related information, helpful hints to the college bound, together with a calendar of various scholarship deadlines arranged by months.
http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/about/scholars/
The Parent's Guide to Filling out the FAFSA
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
http://www.nasfaa.org/students/About_Financial_Aid.aspx
Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
http://www.tgslc.org/
http://www.collegeanswer.com/
http://www.finaid.org/
College Abacus is a free web site where students planning for college can easily compare their projected financial aid packages across schools and identify schools within their budgets, before applying to college or filling out the FAFSA. They are still in the process of adding colleges.
Undergraduate Student Loan Calculator
http://www.hamiltonproject.org/student_loan_calculator/
The Undergraduate Student Loan Calculator shows the share of earnings necessary to service traditional loan repayment for 80 majors. Use selection boxes to choose different majors, loan amounts, interest, and length of term. Select approximate earnings from high, middle, or low-end of average earnings. You can also choose to work part or full-time. Compare two different majors to view the percentage of monthly income needed to pay off loans.
http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid
Figuring out financial aid can be like learning a new language! You might find the Financial Aid Glossary helpful.
The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation publishes estimated costs for each college and university in Texas. Printed copies are also available in my office. Check out the Tuition Coach--it is now free and claims to "take the stress, worry and mystery out of figuring out how to pay for college."
Three types of FAFSA deadlines you should pay attention to!
Financial Aid for Online Colleges
First Steps to Financial Readiness
Student Aid Chart for Undergraduates
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Tuition Tools
Student loan comparison tool to help students and their families make informed borrowing decisions.
Financial Terms
Glossary of Terms (US Dept. of Education)
Financial Glossary (U of North Texas)
Tuition Calculators
Interactive Savings Plan Calculators
Student Loans
Low interest loans offered by the federal government.
Applying for Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid Publications (US Dept. of Education)
College Board Student Loan Calculator
Selecting a Financial Aid Package
Time Lines
Information and educational resource website for students who are Native American.
http://www.bie.edu/
www.chocktawnation.com
FAFSA Helpful Links
FAFSA Helpful Links
FAFSA overview - Check out this video to learn how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives you access to grants, loans, work-study jobs that can help fund your education.
FAFSA Myths - The 5 Most Common Financial Aid Myths Debunked.
Financial Aid FAQ’s - Get answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding financial aid.
How to Complete the FAFSA - Student, Taylor H. shares why she thinks the application process is “pretty Simple.” Also, reminders and resources listed at this site.
FAFSA Changes - In September 2015, President Obama announced some major changes to the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) process that will affect millions of students. Find out the changes and what they mean for you at this site.
7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: A Student’s Guide to the Free Application For Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid You Tube Channel - View numerous presentations simplifying the FAFSA process.
GenTex Way To Pay Financial Aid Guide
Assistance with issues related to students experiencing homelessness accessing higher education. Toll-free number 855.446.2673.
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