FAFSA
Financial aid is the money supplied by a source other than the family to assist with the costs of a student attending college. But to get financial aid, students have to apply for it.
Students* can apply for federal financial aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA. The US Department of Education uses FAFSA information to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based federal aid, including federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, and Federal Work-Study. This information is then forwarded to institutions of higher education that calculate financial aid awards for each admitted student.
Students will need a FAFSA on file to qualify for most state and institutional aid, including grants and scholarships. Even private funding sources such as scholarship foundations often require that students complete the FAFSA to qualify for aid awards.
Texas institutions of higher education use the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine a student’s eligibility for state and institutional aid. This application is only available to Texas residents who are ineligible for federal student aid.
Each year, the TASFA becomes available for the upcoming application cycle on October 1. Students are encouraged to submit their TASFA form and supporting documentation as soon as possible after this date. Whenever possible, students should try to apply by the state and institution’s priority deadline, as more financial aid will be available.
In Texas, the state priority deadline is January 15 of the current academic year. All General Academic Teaching Institutions must use this date as the priority deadline. All other public and private/independent institutions are encouraged to do the same.
Watch this video to learn more about helping students access financial aid for higher education through the TASFA.
Texas Grant
TEXAS Grant is available to undergraduate students who are Texas residents and meet both specific academic criteria as well as demonstrated financial need. The FAFSA and TASFA applications serve as the TEXAS Grant application, no other forms are required. Eligible students are automatically considered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are no longer available.
This site is your comprehensive guide to success in meeting the new financial aid graduation requirement. You’ll find comprehensive information and resources for students, their families, counselors and advisers, and community partners.
Going Merry
Apply to FAFSA and get matched with college scholarships instantly and apply online with a common app for students and tools for counselors and providers.
This tool gives an up to date sticker price and a net price for each college based on a family income, also providing some insights on graduation and retention rates
Adventures in Education is your one-stop shop for college financial aid planning. Just a few of the handy features on this website include:
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Step-by-step guide to the FAFSA
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Scholarship search
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Information on credit and loans
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Comparison of post-college earnings based on city and profession
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Debt tracker
The FSA website has tons of relevant information for students, from what types of aid are available to how to qualify for aid – even how to manage student loans after graduation. The FSA website also has financial aid information unrelated to federal aid. Whether it’s resources to help you find and apply for scholarships or simple instructions on how to create a budget, FSA wants to ensure you have the tools for financial success in college.
