FAFSA/TASFA Graduation Requirement
FAFSA
The 2025-26 Application is NOW OPEN!
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) - students and parents need an account. Your parents may already have an account/FSA ID if an older sibling has submitted the FAFSA before you.
Collect the documents you may need:
- Your parents’ SSNs if they have SSNs and you're a dependent student
- Tax returns (2023)
- Records of child support received
- Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
Getting Help - If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, use these free tools:
- In the online FAFSA form, select the question mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a “tool tip” that provides information about how to answer that question.
- Click the FAFSA® Form drop down (https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out) for information about the steps to completing the form.
- Visit the “FAFSA® Help” to find answers to common questions.
- In the online form, chat with Aidan®, the virtual assistant.
- Chat with, email, or find a phone number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
- Contact the financial aid office at the college or career/trade school you plan to attend.
- Use this link (Federal Student Aid - YouTube ) to find videos covering topics including how to create an FSA id, who is a contributor, and what to expect after you submit the FAFSA. Keep in mind that some of the videos mention the 2024-25 form, but you are completing the 2025-2026 application.
TAFSA
The 2025-26 Application (paper and online) is scheduled to open December 2nd.
https://www.highered.texas.gov/students-families/tasfa/
The TASFA can be completed both online or by filling out and submitting a paper document. Do not fill out both an online and paper TASFA – only one is necessary.
The paper TASFA: Once completed, the process for receiving a paper copy of the TASFA varies by institution. Some require it to be mailed directly to the financial aid office and others may prefer that you upload or email a copy through a secure platform. Before submitting or mailing your paper application, contact your institution’s financial aid office to clarify the procedure.
Set up your TASFA account – Create your Online TASFA account through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s secure portal.
For information go to https://www.highered.texas.gov/students-families/tasfa/#info