Guide to Applying for Financial Aid
Class of 2024
FAFSA Graduation Requirement
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) // only for non-citizens who are classified as Texas residents
- Submit a signed opt out form to the student's alpha counselor // English, Spanish
The FAFSA will open by the end of December for the 2024-25 school year and is the first step in the financial aid process. Both student and parent will work together to submit the FAFSA every year you are in college. Here we've accumulated helpful resources and encourage you to submit as soon as possible!
NOTE: The Department of Education has revised the FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year. During the "soft launch" they are monitoring and responding in real time to any potential issues impacting the applicant experience. They may initiate pauses for site maintenance and ot make updates as needed to create a better FAFSA experience for students and families.
The 2024-25 FAFSA is available!
1. Both student and a parent should create your separate StudentAid.gov accounts. Save your username and password so you can submit the 2024-25 FAFSA.
2. Gather necessary documents:
- Student & parent social security or alien registration number
- Federal tax info - you will be required to link to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to connect tax info
- You may also need: tax returns, records of child report received, current balances of cash/checking/savings, net worth of investments, business and farms
3. Complete the FAFSA. Note: Some colleges may also require families to file the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile opened on October 1, 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year.
After the FAFSA
Your FAFSA will help determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) - review info to make sure it's correct; the SAR will outline your Student Aid Index (SAI), estimated loan eligibility, and Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Once you're admitted to the colleges you included on your FAFSA, they will have received your Student Aid Report and will generate a financial aid package. This will allow you to compare financial aid offers between schools. You will need to accept your financial aid at the college you decide to attend. The national decision deadline is May 1st, which should allow you ample time to weigh your options and make an informed decision.
Learn more: After the FAFSA video
Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA Information Night // Jan 17
Financial Aid Presentation // Dec 4
At our Financial Aid presentation on December 4th, expert Mike Nichols of College Funding Educators of America reviewed the costs of college, considerations, and reviewed the FAFSA application process. Families can access the slides below to review the information covered.
