FAFSA

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application submitted to determine if a student is eligible to receive federal and state grant money for college. The FAFSA for Fall 2025 opens for completion by December 31, 2024. To qualify for need based aid, all applicants must file the FAFSA. Starting with the Class of 2022, seniors have to complete the FAFSA, the TASFA, or opt-out waiver to graduate!

SCAM ALERT - The FAFSA is absolutely free. If you are on a website that is requiring a fee for processing the FAFSA, you are not on the correct website.

Quick Guide to Financial Aid Application Changes – 2024 – FAFSA on page 1, TASFA on page 2

Steps to Complete the FAFSA:

1. Prior to completing the FAFSA, all “contributors” (student, parent 1, and parent 2, if necessary) must apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID so that they may sign the application electronically. The FSA ID is the user name and password students will use to access all Federal Student Aid websites, including FAFSA.gov. It takes about 10 minutes to create an account and set up an FSA ID. FSA IDs should be gotten ahead of completing the FAFSA so the DDX tool can be used.
   
   For dependent students, at least one “contributor” (parent) will also need to create an account and set up an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.
   Is my Parent a Contributor? – Who/How Many need to set up an FSA ID? Graphic on webpage walks through different scenarios.
   
   “Contributor” refers to anyone who is required to provide information as part of a student's FAFSA, such as a parent/stepparent. Previously, these contributors were referred to as Parent 1 and Parent 2. The way in which a student answers questions in the FAFSA will determine which contributors (if any) will be required to provide information. Being a contributor does not mean they are financially responsible for the student's education costs, but it does mean the contributor must provide information on the FAFSA or the application will be considered incomplete. If the student is required to included information from contributors in their FAFSA, and does not, the FAFSA will remain incomplete and a calculation for federal aid eligibility cannot occur.
   
   Because you need to complete the FAFSA for each year you are in college, you will want to record and keep you and your parents’ or contributors’ login information in a safe place.

2. Complete the FAFSA at  https://fafsa.gov/ 
   When applying for financial aid, you'll need your FSA ID, income tax returns, W-2 forms and other records of income. A complete list of what is needed is on the FAFSA site.
   For 2025-2026, the 2023 taxes that were filed in 2024 will be used.

How to fill out the FAFSA Form

FAFSA Submission Deadlines:

• College Deadline – Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA or the date your FAFSA is processed. 
• State Priority Deadline – Texas = For 2025-2026, February 15, 2025. The priority deadline should return to January 15 for following years.
  Texas public colleges: For priority consideration, submit your application by February 15, 2025. Additional forms may be required. 
  If planning to attend college in another state, check here for other state deadlines.
  Texas private colleges: Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  
• Federal Deadline – Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 2025.

Best Resources for Getting Help with FAFSA – Not a government site, but it has good information for students and parents

How to Complete the FAFSA  (from College Board)

FAFSA – The How-To Guide for High School Students (and the Adults Who Help Them)

Ultimate FAFSA Resource Guide (Smart Scholar)

FAFSA Resources (Edvisor)

FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

28 Places to Get Help with the FAFSA – Includes links to FREE FAFSA web resources, to in-person FAFSA help, to toll-free help, and to financial aid/FAFSA Webinars

Your FAFSA Connection: Info, Answers, Tools – An extensive set of FAFSA tips and information.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Student Loans 101- Includes 12 videos and 22 lectures to help understand these topics