see also the Parent Bulletin for information specific to Texas financial aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Need-Based):

All students applying for any federal financial aid for 2003-2004 MUST file this form. It will be available in the Counseling Center later this fall.

The FAFSA is the only application student must complete to be considered for all federal aid including the following:
- Federal PELL Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
- Federal Stafford Loans
- Federal Perkins Loans
- Federal Work-Study
- other federal financial aid programs, including the Texas Grant
 

There is no charge for filing the FAFSA! We receive the FAFSA in November, and it cannot be filed prior to January 1, 2003 for the 2003-04 academic year. When completing the FAFSA, students can send data to a maximum of six(6) institutions by following directions on the form. The FAFSA may also be filed electronically (via the internet) after January 1, 2003 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For questions regarding the FAFSA, go to www.ed.gov/offices/OPE.

Supplemental Forms

In a few states there are supplemental forms which must be filed. Some states offer state grants (obtained through State Specific Forms - call 1-800-433-3242 for information about your state or the one in which your student will be attending college.) Certain colleges obtain additional information for school-specific scholarships and grants - contact the college of your choice to see if this is a requirement.

Scholarship Searches (Merit-Based)

Beware of scams that promise scholarships. No one can guarantee your son or daughter will receive any scholarship! There are many free searches (like the ones on www.plato.org or www.fastweb.com) and inexpensive, yet reliable sources (like the College Board - www.collegeboard.org, where a scholarship search is tailored to your student and costs just $19.95) There are many, many sources of scholarship information - the more you check out, the greater your chances!

Financial Aid Terms

Federal Stafford Loan - Formerly called the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) program, Stafford loans are available based on demonstrated financial need. Interest is subsidized and does not accrue while the student is in college. Loan amounts increase as the student moves up and gains credits toward the degree. File the FAFSA form for consideration.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan- These loans are available and are not need-based. Interest is not subsidized during college, and can be paid as it accrues or after graduation. (Interest rates are favorable.) File the FAFSA form for consideration.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - Parents can borrow up to the entire cost of the student’s education, less financial aid. Repayment must begin within 60 days of disbursement. Approval is based on credit history. Interest rates are favorable.

Federal Pell Grant Program -The Pell Grant maximum is around $3,000. File the FAFSA form for consideration.

Federal Perkins Loans Program: Federal Work-Study Program: or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG) - University financial aid administrators will include these funds based on demonstrated financial need and availability of funds. File the FAFSA form for consideration.

Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 - Education tax credits and interest deductions may be available - consult your tax professional or visit the website of the U.S. Department of Education.

For more in-depth information, see the federal publication, "Funding Your Education" from the U.S. Department of Education, or read it online at
www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/FYE.

More information!

Follow the hyperlinks below to websites that contain more information on financial aid:

www.tgslc.org
Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation website - offers finanacial aid information and "e-hound" service (personalized financial resources and reminders e-mailed regularly - access at cust.assist@www.finaid.org

Financial aid information and hyperlinks to related sites:

www.salliemae.gov
government financial aid information

www.fastweb.com
scholarship and financial aid information available for a fee

www.collegeboard.org
testing dates and online registration for SAT - scholarship search for a nominal fee - college information, free use of ExPAN college search program
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www.texasmentor.org
information is available from individual Texas colleges by hyperlinking from here