What is Financial Aid? https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types

Any money that is received to help cover the costs of attending college is considered Financial Aid. This could come in the form of:

• Grants- Financial Aid that does not have to be paid back and is awarded based on financial need.
• Loans- Financial Aid that has to be paid back once the student is no longer enrolled in school.  Loans can be awarded by the federal government or by private institutions and both students and parents can borrow funds. 
• Scholarships- Financial Aid that does not have to be paid back and is most often awarded based on merit (something the student has done such as grades, test scores, etc.)
• Work Study- Financial Aid that is earned through a part-time job on campus for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses.

What is the FAFSA? 

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is used to determine a student’s eligibility for all types of federal and state financial aid.  Students may apply beginning on October 1st of their senior year.  Many colleges and universities require that a FAFSA be completed for students to be considered for any type of financial assistance, including scholarships.

Completing the FAFSA or submitting an official FAFSA Opt-Out Form is a Texas Graduation Requirement.  You can submit your proof of completion to the College and Career Advisors.

Students not eligible to complete the FAFSA may be able to complete the TASFA.  Only specific students qualify to complete the TASFA, see the College and Career Advisors for more information.

FAFSA Overview Video

How to Fill Out the 2024-25 FAFSA

How to Create an FSA-ID

FAFSA Checklist

1. Complete the FAFSA, this is the first step for all Financial Aid!  You can list up to 20 schools to submit your FAFSA results to. 
2. Visit the Financial Aid websites for the colleges and universities you’re interested in to see if they have additional financial aid applications and deadlines. 
3. Log into SchooLinks and check the Finances section.