The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens Saturday, Oct. 1. The State of Texas requires students in their senior year of high school to complete the FAFSA to graduate.
When a student files the FAFSA, they may become eligible for scholarships or grants (based on need and merit), work-study programs, or low-interest loans. Some of the most beneficial financial aid funds are first-come, first-served. Students are twice as likely to receive financial help for college if they file the FAFSA early.
Before the FAFSA opens, there are a few things students and their parents/guardians can do to prepare.
The first step for both the senior and their parent/guardian is to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. The FSA ID is an electronic signature, one for the student and a different one for the parent (or shared by both parents). There is a one- to three-day time frame for processing the FSA ID, which is required to complete the FAFSA.
Tip: When completing any postsecondary planning, such as FAFSA students should use a personal, not school-related email address.
Collect your personal information and tax forms to make completing the FAFSA easier:
- Student’s Social Security Card
- Student’s driver’s license
- Student’s 2021 W-2 forms
- Student’s 2021 Federal Income Tax Return
- Student’s 2021 untaxed income records
- Student’s current bank statements (or access online to check balance)
- Parent(s) Federal Income Tax Return
- Parents(s) 2021 W-2 forms
- Parents(s) bank statements
- Parents(s) untaxed income records
- Parents(s) current business and investment records
Students classified as Texas Residents who are not eligible to apply for the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Complete the TASFA application.
If you meet the FAFSA filing requirements, then you should submit a completed FAFSA.
You do not need to complete both the FAFSA and TASFA. The FAFSA covers federal and state financial aid opportunities.
IMPORTANT 2022-2023 FAFSA/TASFA DATES
Saturday, Oct. 1, – FAFSA OPENS. In the State of Texas, high school seniors are required to complete the application to graduate. There is no fee to apply.
Appointments encouraged. Drop-ins welcome.
🗓 Make a free FAFSA/TASFA help appointment for Monday, Oct. 3., 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Round Rock ISD, Old Hopewell Bldg. 1311 Round Rock Ave. Round Rock
Drop-in ONLY FAFSA/TASFA free help events:
🗓 Add Wednesday, Sep. 28., 6 – 8 p.m. McNeil High School 5720 McNeil Dr., Austin FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Thursday, Sept 29., 6 – 8 p.m. Westwood High School Library, 12400 Mellow Meadow Dr., Austin FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Thursday, Oct. 6., 6 – 8 p.m. Round Rock ISD Early College High School at Austin Community College, computer lab, 4400 College Park Dr., Round Rock FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Wednesday, Oct. 12., 6 – 8 p.m. McNeil High School, 5720 McNeil Dr., Austin FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Wednesday, Oct. 19., 5:30 – 7 p.m. Round Rock High School Library, 201 Deep Wood Dr., Round Rock FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Friday, Oct. 21., 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Monday, Oct. 24., 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 – 4 p.m. Stony Point High School, 1801 Tiger Trl., Round Rock FAFSA event to your calendar.
🗓 Add Thursday, Dec 1., 5:30 – 7 p.m. Round Rock High School Library, 201 Deep Wood Dr., Round Rock FAFSA event to your calendar.
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 – FAFSA and TASFA applications are due for priority consideration to Texas Public Colleges. For Texas Private Colleges, check with the school’s financial aid administrator.
Friday, June 30, 2023 – FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT). Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2023.
LINKS TO FAFSA RESOURCES
Financial Aid Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Watch How-to complete the FAFSA/TASFA videos.
For more information about the FAFSA/TASFA see your campus counselor or send them a message using Let’s Talk.
