PAYING FOR COLLEGE
FINANCIAL AID
FINANCIAL AID is defined as money awarded to a student to assist with the costs of higher education. Typically this category of monetary assistance for college includes grants, loans, work-study programs. Scholarships are included in financial aid package calculations; although there is often a different application process for most university scholarships. To receive ANY money from a Financial Aid Office, students AND parents must complete a FAFSA Application.
ALL STUDENTS are required to complete the FAFSA to receive ANY form of financial assistance from a college/university.
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
When do I complete the FAFSA?
The application opens in December. Senior families should try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure maximum award if the student qualifies. The State of Texas has a financial aid priority deadline of January 15th for most universities. Financial Aid is first come, first serve - so apply early to maximize your financial aid package and "free money".
What do I need to apply?
1. Student must be a US Citizen to receive Federal Financial Aid
* Permanent Residents/DACA students complete TASFA Application (located in the College and Career Center)
2. Students AND parents will need to request FSA ID from the FAFSA website.
* if the parent already has a child in college, there is no need to request another PIN for the parent
3. A copy of income tax return forms for students and/or parents will be needed to complete questions.
4. Log in to the website fafsa.ed.gov and complete the application.
5. Contact the University Financial Aid office or check the student's financial aid status on the university website a couple of weeks after submission.
BEWARE OF SCAMS or INCORRECT WEBSITES. The application is FREE! If they ask you for money to complete the application, it is a scam!
HOW CAN I KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY MY FAMILY WILL BE EXPECTED TO PAY?
PARENTS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING A PROJECTION OF WHAT THE FAFSA WILL PREDICT THE FAMILY EXPECTATION FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COLLEGE TUITION/COSTS CAN GO THROUGH A SIMULATION TO RECEIVE THEIR
E.F.C. (EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION).
FAFSA Forecaster
Not eligible for FAFSA see information below.
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid are awarded by universities and colleges (including community and junior colleges) in the state of Texas. Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to complete the TASFA.
Process for TASFA:
1. Complete the TASFA application.
2. Print completed form (number of copies is based on the number of colleges you are applying to)
3. Sign each copy
4. Attach documentation (if required)
5. Mail to the Office of Financial Aid for each college you plan to apply to.
FAFSA Resources
FAFSA Step by Step Video
SCHOLARSHIPS
With rising the costs of College, everyone is scrambling to find money to assist with the price of higher education. Keep in mind that Scholarships fall in to two categories of awards: Merit (some excellent talent, skill, academics, ability) AND/OR Financial Need. Additionally, finding a scholarship is like looking for your first job… don’t be picky and apply to MANY! There are no guarantees and you must put in the time to reap a reward.
When should I apply/look for scholarships?
The MAJORITY of scholarships are still reserved for students in their senior year of High School. Although, there are a few scholarship contests (essay writing, art, etc) designed for students in grades 9-11.
"Scholarship Season": October - April
The majority of scholarship applications do not open until October (however, there are always a few exceptions). Scholarship organizations recognize that most Seniors are completing admission applications prior to October. Many Scholarship Application Deadlines are around December 1st! Which is another reason to apply for admissions early, so that you are not completing college applications for admission and scholarships at the same time.
Where should I apply/look for scholarships?
1. CFISD SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN -
www.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/academics/college-career-readiness
2. COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER.
3. INTERNET WEB SITES - click on boxes of "common scholarship websites" on the right
4. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS - CY-FAIR EDUC FOUNDATION, VFW, KIWANIS,
RV CLUBS, MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS, CHARITY GROUPS, ETC.
5. LIBRARY RESOURCES AND BOOKS.
6. COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY- IMPORTANT: SOME UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINES ARE BEFORE ADMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINES!!! DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
7. PARENT EMPLOYERS
