What is the TASFA?

  • Texas Application for State Financial Aid
  • Determines eligibility for state financial programs administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas
  • Paper available October 1 of each year; you'll need to fill it out for every year you plan to attend college
  • Complete by the financial aid priority deadline for most public colleges and universities in Texas: January 15; remember that financial aid is often first come, first served

Who Qualifies for TASFA?

Texas residents who do not qualify for financial aid using the FAFSA. See the specific residency provisions in the graphic to the right. 

WHERE CAn I FIND THE TASFA?

The online version of the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. 
​Students should submit a paper version by the January 15 priority deadline. 

Gather Your Documents

Here are some of the documents that you will need to answer the questions on the TASFA. These apply to both PARENTS and STUDENTS!
Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned
Bank statements and investment records, if applicable
Records of untaxed income, if applicable

How Do I Submit My TASFA?

The application should be sent directly to the institution that you plan to attend for the school year. 

Each institution may have a different process for receiving paper copy TASFAs. Some institutions may prefer that a paper copy TASFA is mailed directly to the Financial Aid Office and other institutions may prefer that you upload or email a copy through a secure platform. Contact the institution’s financial aid office to confirm how to submit your TASFA form.

The information provided on the TASFA will be used by the receiving institution to calculate your student financial need and eligibility for state and institutional financial aid. For any questions on the submission process or to confirm your TASFA has been received, contact your institution’s financial aid office directly. 

Follow Up on your application

Make sure that you are checking your college application portals at least once a week to upload requested documents and meet aid deadlines!
Gathering the Right Documentation
Students may be requested to upload additional documentation into their student college portal after completing the TASFA, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER
The schools you listed on FAFSA will send you a financial aid award letter. It is important to compare these letters to determine which college provides you with the best value. Look at:
  • how much was given in scholarships and grants (free money that does not have to be repaid) and what the requirements for maintaining these year-to-year
  • how much was included in federal work-study (money that is earned through a job) and what the student needs to do to apply for a position
  • how much was offered in loans (money that must be repaid), what kind of loans--subsidized or unsubsidized--and whether the full amount of the loan is necessary
Financial aid offers should be compared to the cost of attendance which will depend on direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board) and indirect costs (books, supplies, travel, personal expenses). Calculate the net price of attendance, the cost of attendance minus the financial aid total. 
Concerning Filing Taxes
All families who who meet the threshold amounts established by the IRS to file a tax return are encouraged to do so to avoid additional barriers for receiving financial aid. 

If a student or their parent is an undocumented worker without an SSN, they can file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. 
Reporting CHANGES IN FAMILY INCOME
If your family has gone through a dramatic loss in income since the tax year being reported, and your financial aid award is lower than what your family can currently afford, it is recommended you submit an appeal to the financial aid office for your university. See your counselor or academic advisor for more assistance. 

Selective Service

Federal Law requires nearly all-male US citizens and male immigrants, 18 through 25, register with Selective Service. An individual born male must register for Selective Service in order to qualify for state aid. There's no late penalty for registration, but once a man turns 26 he can no longer register, and becomes permanently barred from all opportunities associated with registration, including college loans and grants.