To qualify for financial aid, there are three common applications that students and their families should be aware of and understand: FAFSA, TASFA, and CSS Profile.
FAFSA (For US Citizens)
Colleges and universities use this application to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid – including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. Therefore, even though the FAFSA is technically the application for federal aid, students often have to fill it out to receive state and college-sponsored financial aid, as well.
Step 1: FSA ID – Create a FSA ID. This is essentially your login information for your FAFSA application and allows you to sign the official documents electronically. You will need to remember this login information because you will use it every year you apply for financial aid!
Step 2: FAFSA – The FAFSA opens up on October 1 for the 2024-2025 school year. Make sure you select the correct year for the semester that you will begin college!
- To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or trade school.
- In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
TASFA (For Non-US Citizens)
The second financial aid form, TASFA, is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas.
- The state financial aid priority application deadline for many institutions is January 15, 2025 for the 2024-2025 award year.
- In order to be considered for the most financial aid, it is important to complete and submit this application with all required documentation to the financial aid office on or before Jan. 15. Note: Eligibility for financial aid will be determined by the institution that you plan to attend.
College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile)
Lastly, the CSS Profile is an online application for student financial aid. This application is used by college and scholarship programs to award institutional or non-federal financial aid.
ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE FINANCIAL AID FORMS
STUDENT PORTION
- FSA ID – This is your login for your FAFSA application and used for your electronic signature. (www.fsaid.ed.gov)
- 2023 Taxes & W2 – If you filed taxes in 2023, you will need to report this information.
- Financial Records – You need a general idea of what you have in your checking, savings & investment accounts.
- College List – You will list all of the colleges you are interested in applying to so your FAFSA application can be sent to those schools
PARENT PORTION
- 2023 Taxes & W2
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Financial Records
- FSA ID – Parents will need this if they are a US citizen
- Date of Marriage/Divorce (if applicable)
- Highest level of education obtained
KEEPING TRACK OF EVERYTHING
It’s never too early to start researching scholarships and opportunities that might help you fund your college education. As you research and eventually as you start applying for scholarships, it’s a good idea to track what you are applying for as well as what you have already applied for. So how do you keep track?
Use a Scholarship Tracking Spreadsheet and when you start applying for financial aid, keep track of what you have earned with a Financial Aid Spreadsheet!