🎓 What Is the TASFA? A Guide for Texas Families
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) helps students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA but still want to be considered for state financial aid in Texas.
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Completing the TASFA enables Texas residents to apply for state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid, making college more accessible and affordable.
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Who Should Complete the TASFA?
Students who are Texas residents but not eligible for the FAFSA should complete the TASFA.
Common examples include:
Certain non-U.S. citizens who meet Texas residency requirements
Students who cannot receive federal Pell Grants or loans
👉 Reminder: Every Texas high school senior must complete FAFSA, TASFA, or the official Opt-Out form to meet graduation requirements.
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FAFSA vs. TASFA
| Application | What It Covers | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| FAFSA | Federal, state, and institutional aid | U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens |
| TASFA | State and institutional aid only | Texas residents who are not eligible for FAFSA |
You’ll only complete one—either FAFSA or TASFA, not both.
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What You’ll Need Before Starting
Gather these items to make the process smoother:
Student W-2s and tax transcripts
Parent or spouse W-2s and tax transcripts (if applicable)
Household information (number of family members, dependents)
Student’s college ID (if available)
How to Complete the TASFA
Online TASFA
Available in English on the College for All Texans website.
A Spanish paper version is available as a guide.
Paper TASFA
Download the correct version for your year:
📬 Submit directly to each college’s financial aid office by mail, upload, or in person (verify the process with each school).
If applying to multiple colleges, you must submit a signed copy to each one.
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Deadlines
State Priority Deadline: January 15 each year
Deadlines vary by college—apply early since funding is limited.
Submitting by the priority deadline increases your chance of aid, but late applications are still accepted.
After You Apply
After submission:
Contact your college’s financial aid office to confirm receipt.
Each school reviews your TASFA to determine eligibility.
Be ready to provide additional documents if requested.
Your Next Step
✅ Confirm with your college’s financial aid office whether the FAFSA or TASFA is right for you.
Follow their directions carefully and apply early to get the best financial aid opportunities available.
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Learn More
Visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board TASFA page.
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