Texas Education Agency (TEA): New FAFSA Graduation Requirement starting in the 2021-2022 School Year

House Bill 3 (HB 3) Implementation: Financial Aid Application

Beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
• Submit a signed opt-out form (provided by high school counselor)

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will make a variety of resources available to support school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in implementing the new requirement.

Parents of Students of the Class of 2022

An important part of students completing FAFSA are parents completing their tax returns. Parents, please be sure to have your previous year’s Tax Returns available by October 1 of the student’s senior year.

Public Announcement

Parent Informational Letter

FAFSA/TASFA Parent Information

Financial Aid Resources

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

College Affordability Guide

Creating and Using the FSA ID

Financial Aid for Minority Students

Right now, over 1.4 million students left $2.7 billion in financial aid on the table by not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal financial aid for college is often underutilized due to the complexity of required paperwork; however, 90% of students who do complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) enroll in school. This year, the FAFSA is being streamlined in the hope of increasing participation. Learn more: FAFSA Makes Changes Hoping Students Will Utilize Funds.

1. It's FREE. Doesn't cost you anything.
2. It's EASY. The application has been majorly simplified.
3. It's FAST. It takes most students just 30 minutes to complete. 

When is the deadline?

For priority consideration, submit your application by Jan. 15. Additional forms might be required. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with your attending institution. 

Need help completing financial aid applications? LEARN, Inc. College and Career advisors are available to assist students and parents/guardians. You can receive help to file the FAFSA/TASFA application necessary to receive financial aid and submit verification for your support documents through campus monthly FAFSA appointments.

LEARN, Inc. Financial Aid Sessions

LEARN, Inc. provides Juniors/Seniors and parents/guardians with opportunities to attend financial aid appointments that provide the following outcomes:

• Participants will gain confidence in FAFSA completion and be introduced to best practices. 

• Participants will understand dependency issues, parental requirements and uncover common pitfalls of the FAFSA. 

• Participants will have a chance to ask questions from seasoned financial aid experts. 

• Participants will begin the FAFSA process by completing the FSA ID.

• Participants will also get the opportunity, if needed, to explore with hands-on FAFSA practice with scenarios & taxes 

What should you have on hand for a FAFSA/Financial Aid Session/Event?

• Student and both parents' W-2 Forms and other records of money earned in the previous year

• Student and both parents' 1040 Form from previous year Federal Income Tax Return

• Student and both parents' Social Security Number**

• Parents' Marriage and/or divorce date (Month and Year)

• Parents' Birthdays (Month and Year)

• Students Driver's License**

• Student and Parents' untaxed income records such as Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, Welfare Benefits, Child Support, Alimony, TANF, etc**

• Student and both parents' business investment, mortgage information and other investment records**

• Student's alien registration card if the student is a permanent resident and not a U.S. Citizen**

• A list of colleges or universities where the student has applied or will apply for

** If applicable

There are many opportunities for students to receive assistance completing their FAFSA or TASFA.

• Monthly Appointments with LEARN, Inc. College and Career Advisors
• Financial Aid Resources

FINANCIAL AID & FAFSA Support: LEARN, Inc. College and Career Advisors

Contact your campus alpha counselor to make an appointment.

You and your students can sign up for free at www.nacacattend.org/fairs. 

u*aspire Virtual Financial Aid Help Events

For Students

Virtual Financial Aid Help Events

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Zoom

uAspire is hosting virtual financial aid events to help students and families complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile, compare financial aid offers, and more. We'll answer your questions and walk you through the financial aid applications and process. These events are FREE and open to everyone. Register today!

 

FAFSA Events

Get an overview of the FAFSA, the application required by all colleges nationwide in order to receive federal financial aid.

Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET/ 4:00 - 5:00 PM PT

Register for a FAFSA Event

 

Next Steps Post-FAFSA Events

Explains the steps to take after submitting the FAFSA like reviewing your Student Aid Report (SAR) and verification. 

Tuesday, May 4, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET/ 3:00 - 4:00 PM PT 

Register for an AFTER the FAFSA Event 

 

Understanding Financial Aid Offers Events

Make sense of financial aid offers from colleges and learn how to use uAspire's College Cost Calculator to compare the total costs of attending different colleges. 

Tuesday, March 30, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET/ 3:00 - 4:00 PM PT

Wednesday, April 14, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET/ 3:00 - 4:00 PM PT

Thursday, May 6, 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET/ 4:00 - 5:00 PM PT

Register for Financial Aid Offer Events

The College Board Opportunity BigFuture™ Scholarships guide you through the college planning process and offer you a chance to earn money for college for each action you complete. The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn. It doesn’t require an essay or an application, and it doesn’t have a minimum GPA or test score requirement. Scholarships can be used at 2 and 4 year colleges. For more information:

• BigFuture-Scholarships-Educator-Flyer.pdf
• BigFuture-Scholarships-Student-Flyer.pdf
• BigFuture-Scholarships Timeline Flyer

Explanation of Automatic College Admission and Curriculum Requirements for Financial Aid for High School Students.

English & Spanish Version