Government Grants and Loans

To apply for federal and state financial aid, students need to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) . The FAFSA and TASFA provide the information the financial aid office at your college or university needs to determine your financial need for federal and state programs, including the TEXAS Grant. To find out which application you should use, FAFSA or TASFA, take the "College For Texans" quick survey.

Summary of Types of Texas State and Federal Aid programs

General Student Aid and FAFSA Information

Estimate your possible FAFSA impact possible financial impact at http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/

STATE SPONSORED PROGRAMS:

Texas Grants are for well-prepared, eligible graduates (no earlier than 1998) from public or accredited high schools in Texas.

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (formerly TEXAS Grant II) (TEOG) provide aid to financially needy students enrolled in Texas public two-year colleges.

Texas Tomorrow Fund

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)

Texas Work-Study Program provides employment opportunities for undergraduate students with financial need attending any eligible postsecondary.

Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)

State of Texas Financial Aid

Hinson-Hazlewood College Access Loan Program (CAL) To provide educational loans to Texas students and families who are unable to qualify for need-based loans.

$1,000 Tuition Rebate for Certain Undergraduates To provide a financial incentive for students to complete their bachelor's degree with as few courses outside the degree plan as possible.

* Are You Exempt from paying college tuition in Texas?

FEDERALLY SPONSORED PROGRAMS:

Federal Pell Grant assists undergraduate students with financial need attending any eligible public or private school. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant assists undergraduate students with financial need attending any eligible public or private postsecondary school.

Federal Perkins Loan Program provides long-term, low-interest loans to financially needy students attending any eligible postsecondary school.

Federal Family Education Loan Program includes Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS (Parent) Loans, and Federal Consolidation Loans.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program offers loans directly to students and parents through schools. The Direct Loan Program offers Direct Stafford Loans (Direct Subsidized), Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Direct unsubsidized), Direct PLUS (Parent) Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Loans

Federal Work-Study Program provides employment opportunities for undergraduate students with financial need attending any eligible postsecondary.

GI Bill

SallieMae Student Loans  provides funds for educational loans, primarily federally guaranteed student loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).

William D. Ford Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans) provides low interest (subsidized and unsubsidized direct loans), federally funded educational loans to students.

PRIVATELY FUNDED LOAN PROGRAMS

Adventures in Education Financial Aid Calendar

ADVENTURES IN EDUCATION (En Espanol) Su fuente de informacion sobre la planificacion de universidad y carrera.

College for Texans Financial aid information for Texans.

College Is Possible

Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar

FinAid! The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid

GI Bill

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

The College Board

The Foundation Center Financial aid information and resources.

The Student Guide a comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Opportunity Plan, Inc.

 

FAQ:

1.  Should I apply for financial aid before I have choosen a school to attend?

Yes, it is advisable to begin your application process by the Fall of your Senior year in high school.  You may obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) from your Counselor or apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This form is needed to apply for federal financial aid for all universities and colleges.  The form is also used to apply for Texas State aid such as Texas Grants.

 

2.  How do I apply for financial aid?

1.  Complete the FAFSA as soon as you can during your senior year. This application will ask for income information and is used to determine eligibility.Before you complete the application forms, have a copy of your previous income tax forms (IRS Form 1040 or EZ 1040A) and/or your parent's income and tax information based on W-2 forms. Often this information, especially tax paid, is entered incorrectly and you must make the appropriate corrections later. CAUTION: Having to make corrections slows down the process for you.

2. Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of the information that you provided for the FAFSA application. Look over the SAR carefully and make sure that all of the information is accurate. If corrections are required, make them directly on the SAR and return to the Federal Processor.

3. The Financial Aid Office of the college or university that has received this information, will review all forms submitted to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study.

Selective Service System    You must register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age. Your Federal and State financial aid depends on it!

 

 * Are You Exempt from paying college tuition in Texas?