Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are many resources and options available to help students and families make it manageable. There are different ways to finance your education, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. With the right information and planning, paying for college is possible.
High School Graduation Requirement
In order to satisfy the FAFSA/TASFA requirement, seniors will need to submit proof of FAFSA/TASFA submission or opt-out in the TISD Student Link platform. The FAFSA for the Class of 2026 does not open until October 1, 2025. More information will be shared soon!
In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate: complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or submit a signed opt-out form.
FAFSA 2026-2027 Quick Instructions
How to Complete the FAFSA/TASFA Graduation Requirement
How To Prepare for the 2026–27 FAFSA® Form
Prepare now so you can complete the 2026–27 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available. Here are some ways you can get ready:
Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).
Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.
Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.
If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.
Click here for More FAFSA Resources
UAspire FAFSA Resources - Checklists are available in Arabic, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Pro Tips for Completing the FAFSA Form - Updated tips for preparing and submitting the FAFSA form. This resource will also be linked from the StudentAid.gov Dashboard to promote easier access for students and their required contributor(s).
Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA Videos - Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submission.
Federal Student Aid Estimator - The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index number used to determine federal student aid eligibility.
“Who Is My Parent?” Tool - A student may need to ask their parent(s) to provide information on their FAFSA form based on the student’s dependency status. This tool helps determine which parent(s) should participate on a student’s FAFSA form.
Click here for Scholarships Information