Financial Aid Graduation Requirement and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Updates
| Date: | April 11, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Financial Aid Graduation Requirement and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Updates |
| Category: | School Programs |
| Next Steps: | Share with appropriate staff and update local processes and procedures as necessary |
FAFSA Updates
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) provides updates regarding changes to the 2024–25 FAFSA processing timeline on its FAFSA Help web page. At this time, all students should be able to complete and submit their FAFSA application. However, if students encounter issues, the USDE offers resources and support on the FAFSA Help web page.
Financial Aid Application Graduation Requirement
In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, each high school senior must do one of the following in order to graduate:
- 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
Because there are multiple ways for a student to meet the graduation requirement, there are not any adjustments or exemptions to the requirement.
FAFSA completion and submission may be confirmed using one of the following:
- Date included in the "FAFSA Processed Date" field in ApplyTexas Counselor Suite
- Notification from the USDE that demonstrates a student has completed and submitted a FAFSA, such as an email confirmation of submission
- Alternate proof of FAFSA completion that may be provided by a student based on the local policy developed by a school district or charter school. Some examples include the following:
- Screenshot of FAFSA submission acknowledgement page
- Financial aid award letter from an institution of higher education
- Other data source(s), as established by local policy
2023-2024 Guidance for Methods of Proof
In the event a processed date or Student Aid Index (SAI) is not available from the above data sources, documentation of submission from these same data sources, rather than documentation that an application was processed, will satisfy the graduation requirement for the 2023–2024 school year.
Priority Deadline Update
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has extended the state financial aid application priority deadline to April 15, 2024. This extension is in response to the technical challenges related to completion of the FAFSA.
Contact Information
If you have any questions concerning the FAFSA updates please contact the Counseling Advising and Student Supports team by sending an email to CASSTeam@tea.texas.gov.