Financial Aid
FINANCIAL AID is defined as money awarded to a student to assist with the costs of higher education. Typically this category of monetary assistance for college includes: grants, loans, work study programs. Scholarships are included in financial aid package calculations; although there is often a different application process for most university scholarships. To receive ANY money from a Financial Aid Office, students AND parents must complete a FAFSA Application.
ALL STUDENTS are required to complete the FAFSA in order to receive ANY form of financial assistance from a college/university.
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
When do I complete the FAFSA?
The application opens October 1st of every year. Senior families should try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure maximum award if the student qualifies. The State of Texas has a financial aid priority deadline of March 1st for most universities. Financial Aid is first come, first serve - so apply early to maximize your financial aid package and "free money".
What do I need to apply?
1. Student must be a US Citizen to receive Federal Financial Aid
* Permanent Residents/DACA students complete TASFA Application (located in the College and Career Center)
2. Students AND parent will need to request FSA ID from the FAFSA website.
* if parent already has a child in college, there is no need to request another PIN for the parent
3. A copy of income tax return forms for student and/or parent will be needed to complete questions.
4. Log into website fafsa.ed.gov and complete the application.
5. Contact University Financial Aid office or check student's financial aid status on university website a couple weeks after submission.
BEWARE OF SCAMS or INCORRECT WEBSITES. The application is FREE! If they ask you for money to complete the application, it is a scam!
HOW CAN I KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY MY FAMILY WILL BE EXPECTED TO PAY?
PARENTS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING A PROJECTION OF WHAT THE FAFSA WILL PREDICT THE FAMILY EXPECTATION FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COLLEGE TUITION/COSTS CAN GO THROUGH A SIMULATION TO RECEIVE THEIR
E.F.C. (EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION).
SCHOLARSHIPS
With rising the costs of College, everyone is scrambling to find money to assist with the price of higher education. Keep in mind that Scholarships fall in to two categories of awards: Merit (some excellent talent, skill, academics, ability) AND/OR Financial Need. Additionally, finding a scholarship is like looking for your first job… don’t be picky and apply to MANY! There are no guarantees and you must put in the time to reap a reward.
When should I apply/look for scholarships?
The MAJORITY of scholarships are still reserved for students in their senior year of High School. Although, there are a few scholarship contests (essay writing, art, etc) designed for students in grades 9-11.
"Scholarship Season": October - April
The majority of scholarship applications do not open until October (however, there are always a few exceptions). Scholarship organizations recognize that most Seniors are completing admission applications prior to October. Many Scholarship Application Deadlines are around December 1st! Which is another reason to apply for admissions early, so that you are not completing college applications for admission and scholarships at the same time.
Where should I apply/look for scholarships?
1. CFISD SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN
2. INTERNET WEB SITES
click on boxes of "common scholarship websites" on the right
3. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS - CY-FAIR EDUC FOUNDATION, VFW, KIWANIS,
RV CLUBS, MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS, CHARITY GROUPS, ETC.
4. LIBRARY RESOURCES AND BOOKS.
5. COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY- IMPORTANT: SOME UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINES ARE BEFORE ADMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINES!!!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
6. PARENT EMPLOYERS