Funding Your Education: FAFSA or TASFA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid are free applications that help colleges, universities and trade schools determine whether you qualify for financial aid.
Texas seniors must complete the FAFSA, complete the TASFA, or submit an official opt-out form as part of the state graduation requirement.
Important Dates
- October 1: The FAFSA and TASFA open for the next school year.
- Before Thanksgiving: Northeast seniors should complete their application by this campus goal.
- January 15: Texas priority deadline for the best chance at receiving limited state funding.
- Colleges and scholarships may have earlier deadlines for tuition promises, so always check their requirements.
Your FAFSA Submission Summary, includes your Student Aid Index, which some need-based scholarships may request to confirm financial eligibility.
Which Application Should I Complete?
Complete the FAFSA if:
- You are a United States citizen
- You are an eligible noncitizen
- You qualify to apply for federal student aid
Complete the TASFA if:
- You are a Texas resident
- You are not eligible to receive federal student aid
- Lived in Texas for 36 months
- You are an undocumented student or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient who meets Texas eligibility requirements
What Financial Aid Can I Receive?
Your financial aid offer may include a combination of the following:
Grants
Free money students qualify for based mainly on financial need. Grants usually do not have to be repaid. Learn about grants
Scholarships
Awards based on financial need, grades, talents, leadership, service, or other achievements. Students usually must apply separately, and scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Work-Study
Part-time jobs that allow eligible students to earn money while attending college. Students must apply for jobs and work scheduled hours to receive the money. Learn about work-study
Student Loans
Money that is borrowed and must be repaid with interest. Review grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities before accepting loans.
Are You a Dependent or Independent Student?
Most high school seniors apply as dependent students and must provide information from one or more parents.
Independent if:
- You are married.
- You support children.
- You live on your own.
- You are experiencing homelessness.
- You live with someone other than a parent or legal guardian.
Dependency status is not based only on:
- Whether you live with your parents
- Whether your parents claim you on their taxes
- Whether you support yourself
- Whether your parents plan to help pay for college
The FAFSA or TASFA will ask questions to determine your official dependency status.
Check Your FAFSA Dependency Status
Homeless and at risk Students
At risk of being homeless students have unique needs. Please visit the district's website for more information on how the district can support our homeless youth.