General FAFSA Information

Your complete guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking financial assistance for college. This free online application determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, and is also required by most colleges for their private financial aid programs.

What FAFSA Qualifies You For

Federal Grants

No repayment required!

✓ Pell Grants (up to $7,395 per year)
✓ Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
✓ State grant programs

Low-Interest Loans

Repaid after college graduation

• Direct Subsidized Loans (government pays interest while in school)
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Work-Study opportunities

Important Note:

Most colleges also require FAFSA completion for their own private financial aid programs, including institutional scholarships and grants. Completing the FAFSA opens doors to all types of financial assistance.

Critical Timing Information

Application Opens

October 1st of your senior year

The FAFSA becomes available every October 1st for the following academic year. Don't wait - start as soon as it opens!

Priority Deadlines

Complete by February 15th or March 1st

Each college sets its own "priority deadline" (usually February 15th or March 1st). Submit by this date to receive maximum aid consideration.

Remember: Money is given on a first-come, first-served basis!

How to Complete Your FAFSA

Prepare Your Documents

Gather tax information, bank statements, and other financial documents

Go Online

Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and create your FSA ID

Complete Application

Fill out the form with parent help - takes approximately 45 minutes

What You'll Need

Student Information:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's License Number
• Tax Returns and W-2 Forms
• Bank Statements

Parent Information:

• Social Security Numbers
• Tax Returns and W-2 Forms
• Bank and Investment Statements
• Untaxed Income Records

Texoma Christian School Information

TCS CEEB Code

When completing your FAFSA, you'll need our school code:

446-499

Use this code when adding Texoma Christian School to your application

Additional Help & Resources

FAFSA Mentorship Program

Grayson College offers free FAFSA assistance for students planning to attend any college.

Contact:

Stephanie L. Martin

martins@grayson.edu

College Financial Aid Offices

Grayson College

(903) 463-8794

Austin College

(903) 813-2000

Contact financial aid offices directly for college-specific questions

Tips for FAFSA Success

Start Early

Don't wait until the last minute. Begin gathering documents in December so you're ready when the FAFSA opens.

Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

This tool automatically transfers tax information from the IRS to your FAFSA, reducing errors and speeding up processing.

Apply Even If You Think You Won't Qualify

Many families are surprised by their eligibility. You might qualify for aid you didn't expect, and some colleges require FAFSA for merit scholarships.