TASFA Resources for Institutions

Overview

Each Texas high school student is required as a condition of graduation to complete either the FAFSA or TASFA or opt out, as required by Texas Education Code Section 28.0256. All students interested in applying for financial aid are encouraged to first review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA allows a student to be considered for a broader range of financial aid options than filling out the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). The FAFSA allows a student to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid opportunities. If a student completes the FAFSA, the student should not complete a TASFA.

Students who do not complete a FAFSA may complete a TASFA to be considered for state financial aid programs. Remember that failing to fill out a FAFSA means that the student will not be considered for any federal financial aid programs. State financial aid programs require that a student is a Texas resident.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 2025-26 (FY 2026) State Financial Aid Priority Deadline Date Extended

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has extended the 2025-26 (FY 2026) state financial aid priority application deadline to February 15, 2025, in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcing in August that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will open on or before December 1, 2024. This extension is authorized under Texas Administrative Code 22.6(a)(3).