FAFSA/TASFA

FAFSA is the federal application for financial aid, available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
TASFA is the Texas state application for students who aren’t eligible to complete the FAFSA, including undocumented and DACA students.

Yes. Texas law requires all high school seniors to complete either the FAFSA or TASFA—or submit an opt-out form—to graduate.

• FAFSA priority deadline: February 15
• TASFA priority deadline: January 15 (may vary by college)
  Early applications have the best chance of receiving aid.

For both applications, you’ll need:

• 2023 or 2024 tax returns and W-2s (student and parent)
• Social Security Number or ITIN (if applicable)
• List of colleges you're applying to
  TASFA also requires a Residency Affidavit and may ask for Selective Service registration.

Go to studentaid.gov and click “Create Account.”
Both the student and one parent (if dependent) need an FSA ID.

No. You only need to complete one—whichever you’re eligible for. If you’re unsure, ask your counselor or college advisor.

You’ll receive a Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA or a confirmation from TASFA. Colleges use this to decide how much aid you’ll receive. You may also be asked to verify your information—so check your email regularly!

• FAFSA: Grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans
• TASFA: State grants, scholarships, and some institutional aid (no federal aid)

You can request a financial aid appeal from your college’s financial aid office. They may adjust your aid based on special circumstances.

Your school counselor, college advisor, or financial aid workshops are great places to start. You can also visit:

• CollegeHubATX.com
• MyTexasFuture.org