Financial Aid and FAFSA

New Texas Education Agency (TEA) FAFSA Graduation Requirement beginning the 2021-2022 School Year

House Bill 3 (HB 3) Implementation: FAFSA Application

Students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2022-2023 school year, are required to satisfy one of the following in order to satisfy the financial aid graduation requirement:
- Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
- Submit a signed opt-out form (please visit your high school counselor for more details)
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will make a variety of resources available to support school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in implementing the new requirement.

New! FAFSA Graduation Requirement
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Parents of Students of the Class of 2023

An important part of students completing the FAFSA is parents completing their tax returns. Parents, please be sure to have your 2021 Tax Returns. The 2022-23 FAFSA opens on October 1 of your students' senior year.

Financial Aid Overview

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Financial Aid Resources
Financial Aid Resources

Texas OnCourse Families Financial Aid Toolkit
- English
- Español
Creating and Using the FSA ID

The FAFSA Signature Page:

Parents who are not eligible to create an FSA ID can sign the FAFSA by printing, signing, and mailing the FAFSA signature page to Federal Student Aid. To learn how, visit Federal Student Aid's What is a signature page? in English or in Spanish.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

FAFSA Resources English

FAFSA Resources Spanish

Financial Aid Application Checklist

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Right now, over 1.4 million students left $2.7 billion in financial aid on the table by not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal financial aid for college is often underutilized due to the complexity of required paperwork; however, 90% of students who do complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) enroll in school. This year, the FAFSA is being streamlined in the hope of increasing participation.

Learn more: FAFSA Makes Changes Hoping Students Will Utilize Funds
1. It's FREE. Doesn't cost you anything.
2. It's EASY. The application has been majorly simplified.
It's FAST. It takes most students just 30 minutes to complete.
Aid Application Process

Aid Application Process

Take these steps to apply for federal student aid.

1. Get Prepared - gather the documents you will need to apply.

2. Complete the FAFSA Form - apply early to maximize your aid. Know the deadlines.

3. Review the Student Aid Report - make corrections, if necessary.

4. Respond to Aid Offer - accept the aid you want.

5. Receive Aid - get your aid from your school.

6. Renew your FAFSA form - reapply each year.
GPISD FAFSA Planning Events
Financial Aid Workshop Goals
- Participants will gain confidence in FAFSA completion and be introduced to best practices.
- Participants will understand dependency issues, parental requirements and uncover common pitfalls of the FAFSA.
- Participants will have a chance to ask questions from seasoned financial aid experts.
- Participants will begin the FAFSA process by completing the FSA ID.
- Participants will also get the opportunity, if needed, to explore with hands-on FAFSA practice with scenarios & taxes
Preparing for financial aid workshops
- Student and both parents’ W-2 Forms and other records of money earned in 2020
- Student and both parents’ 1040 Form from 2020 Federal Income Tax Return
- Student and both parents’ Social Security Number**
- Parents’ Marriage and/or divorce date (Month and Year)
- Parents’ Birthdays (Month and Year)
- Students Driver’s License**
- Student and Parents’ 2020 untaxed income records such as Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, Welfare Benefits, Child Support, Alimony, TANF, etc**
- Student and both parents’ 2020 business investment, mortgage information and other investment records**
- Student’s alien registration card if student is a permanent resident and not a U.S. Citizen**
- A list of colleges or universities where the student has applied or will apply for
** If applicable
Getting Help
Getting Help
- If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, use these free tools:
- In the online FAFSA form, select the blue and white question mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a "tool tip" that provides information about how to answer that question.
- In the online FAFSA form, the tool tip may have a “More Help” link for additional information. You also can select the “Help” button at the bottom of the tool tip to reach the “FAFSA Help” page, where you can browse FAQs, search for more information, or click on “Contact Us.”
- Once you click on “Contact Us,” you’ll have the option of emailing us with your question or, during business hours, chatting (in English or Spanish) with live technical support staff. (In the myStudentAid mobile app, you can find the contact information via the “hamburger menu”—the three parallel lines at the top right of the screen.)
- Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.
FAFSA Helpline
Top FAFSA® Tips
Top FAFSA® Tips
1. Read all questions and instructions carefully.
2. Meet deadlines.
3. Check your email (including spam) regularly for any messages from Federal Student Aid or your college.
Source: Federal Student Aid website