What is Financial Aid?

• Financial Aid is any grant or scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses
• Financial Aid can be provided from various sources, such as federal and state government agencies, colleges, foundations, corporations, and private entities.  
• Federal, state and institutional guidelines determine the amount of Financial Aid a student receives.

What types of Financial Aid are available?

• Grants
• Grants include aid the student receives that need not be repaid
• Scholarships
• Merit, Academic, Financial Need, Ability or Performance, Student Specific
• Loans
• Loans must be repaid.  Interest rates and repayment terms vary by program. 
• Employment Opportunities (Work Study)
• Employment is aid based on an hourly rate for work performed.
• Military/Veteran Benefits
• Parent/Guardian transfer of military educational benefits
• Health & Human Service Programs
• Example: Foster Care Tuition Waiver

What is the First Step to Financial Aid?

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during the Senior Year of high school.

FAFSA.gov

Regardless of income, all families should complete the FAFSA annually, because it is required for all federal financial aid, and most state and institutional aid.

What do YOU Need to Know:

• Class of 2024 can complete the FAFSA beginning December 2023.
• 2022 Federal Income Tax information is required.
  • Parent 
  • Student if filed in 2022
• Class of 2024 complete application for 2024-2025 School Year.
• Texas Priority Deadline for FAFSA is March 15th

Helpful website: studentaid.gov