Apply for financial aid

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When can you apply for financial aid?

Applications open October 1 every year. This is the earliest you can apply to receive aid during the upcoming school year. Financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. So, try to file as soon as possible after October 1.

Important Note: The U.S. Department of Education announced in August that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will open on or before December 1, 2024. The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) will also open for the 2025-2026 application cycle on December 1, to align with the FAFSA opening.

Two major financial aid deadlines to mark in your calendar

State Priority Deadline

January 15 – In Texas, this is the state priority deadline of the current academic year.

Important Note: The State Financial Aid Priority Deadline was extended to February 15, 2025, for the 2025-2026 application year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It is important to complete and submit your application with all required documentation to the financial aid office on or before this date to be considered for the most financial aid possible. Please note that this is only for the specified application year and will revert to January 15 for future years.

Federal Deadline

June 30 – The federal filing deadline and absolute last day to send your financial aid application is June 30 of the school year you’re requesting aid.

Tip: The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting aid. Money is limited, and colleges can run out of funding.

Are you a dependent or independent student?

If you meet one or more of the following criteria, then you are an independent student and will only use your own income and tax information:

24 years old or older
Married
Enrolled in a graduate level program (master’s or doctorate)
Have children or other dependents who receive more than half of their support from you
Active duty in the U.S. military or a veteran
Both parents are deceased, or you were in foster care or a ward of the court
An emancipated minor or in a legal guardianship
An unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of being homeless

If you don't meet the above criteria, then you are a dependent student.

You will need to use your own income and tax information, plus information about your parents.

Resources to help determine your status:

Which application should you complete?

Complete one of the following:

The FAFSA

Available to US citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible noncitizens
Application for federal, state, and institutional aid

The TASFA

Available to Texas residents who are ineligible for the FAFSA
Application for state and institutional aid

Read more: FAFSA vs TASFA

Applying for scholarships

Scholarships are “gift aid” that don’t need to be repaid. You may be offered a scholarship for merit, financial need, or for simply meeting the eligibility criteria.

Apply for scholarships in a variety of ways:

Along with your application for admission to a college, if available
Through the college’s website
Through your parents’ employer
Through local clubs and organizations

You can also search for scholarship opportunities through free websites, like these:

Read more: How to apply for scholarships

Tip: In your first years of high school, talk to your counselor about the Texas First Program. Eligible students graduate early with the Distinguished Level of Achievement—and a scholarship, too!