Financial Aid

  • Financial Aid Graduation Requirement:

    In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in Grade 12 during the 2021-2022 school year, one of the following must be completed as a requirement for receiving a high school diploma:

    1) Completion and submission of a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) financial aid application OR

    2) Completion and submission of a TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) financial aid application OR

    3) Submission of a signed Opt-Out form to your high school counseling office

    Please reach out to your high school counselor for more information.

    Find more information on the financial aid requirement for high school graduation in the Texas Education Agency website.

    View the TEA guidelines HERE.

    View Texas OnCourse Guidance for Families for more information.

2025-26 FAFSA/TASFA Financial Aid Applications

  • What can be done NOW to prepare for the 25-26 FAFSA/TASFA financial aid applications opening October 1st?

    • Create a valid personal email. Both students and parents should have an accessible personal (not school) email account.
    • Create an FSA ID. Students that will use the FAFSA financial aid application will create an FSA ID.  Parents will also create an FSA ID regardless of citizenship.
    • Gather parent and student 2023 tax documents, w-2 forms, bank statements, and pay stubs
    • Research colleges, universities, and trade schools that you are interested in applying to.
      • Students, log into your Xello account to search and narrow down "Best-Fit" institutions!
    • Apply to selected colleges, universities and trade schools.
      • Most colleges and universities in Texas can be applied to through the Apply Texas website.
      • The Common App website is often used by students that plan to apply to colleges and universities outside of Texas.
    • Unsure which financial aid application is right for you or need help?  Contact your high school counselor. 
      • FAFSA eligibility requirements are HERE.
      • Students who are unable to complete the FAFSA and have resided in Texas at least three years prior to high school graduation should complete the TASFA. Get more information HERE.

Secure Financial Aid with the FAFSA/TASFA

  • Secure funding for college by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). 

    Follow these steps to complete the application:

    Step 1: Be Prepared

    Gather the paperwork required to complete the application, including 1040 tax documents, W2s, social security card, alien registration number, bank statements, etc. 

    Step 2: Complete the Application

    Apply early! For assistance with completing the FAFSA/TASFA, reach out to your campus counselor.

    FAFSA Application      TASFA Application

    Step 3: Verify the Student Aid Report

    Once the application has been submitted and processed, you will receive a student aid report or SAR. Make sure all the information is correct. Log back into your FAFSA application to make any corrections.

    Step 4: Accept the Aid

    Each college that you have been accepted into will offer you qualifying financial aid options, including grants, scholarships and loans. Accept the aid you want to receive for the college that you plan to attend. 

    Step 5: Reapply Each Year

    The financial aid application is valid for one academic school year. Students must reapply every year of college.