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Financial Aid for College Students

Federal Financial Aid for College Students

The federal government provides a universal application for financial aid to all persons seeking higher education after high school.

Tuition fees and living costs vary greatly from college to college. Research and preparation can help you find financial aid from many sources: the government, grants, scholarships, and the universities themselves. While considering finances ask yourself:

  • How to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA.
  • Do I understand what college costs?
  • Can my family afford to pay for any or all of my college experience?
  • What grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study am I eligible for?
  • How do I apply for these forms of student aid?
  • When do I fill out the FAFSA?
  • When is the TAFSA needed?

Paying for College

Federal Student Aid: Ways to get money for higher education

Every Chance Every Texan
Financial Aid programs supported by the Texas government

Comparing Financial Aid Awards

Financial Tools & Calculators

U.S. Dept of Education Glossary of Terms (En español)

Benefits for high school students who qualify for financial assistance?
Free/Reduced Lunch Meal applications are available at each campus

FAFSA: What & Why? (En español) 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Link to helpful FAFSA videos, including how to create an FSA ID:
student aid image

Education Savings Plans

Savings plans operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families save for college. 
Participants may receive tax benefits if basic plan requirements are met.

Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan

529 Student College Savings Plans

Student Loans

Understand the Loan Process

The Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Scholarships

Read first: The Scoop on Scholarships

Big Future Scholarship Search

Also consider:
PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Texas Military and Veterans College Opportunities
Higher education funds available to current military dependents.

Grants and Work-Study Programs

Grants are monetary awards to be used for higher education that does not have to be repaid. 
Work-Study programs are jobs, on- or off-campus, for eligible college students with financial need.

Federal Education Grant Program

Work-Study Program