Texas Education Agency (TEA): New FAFSA Graduation Requirement. Starting in the 2021-2022 School Year

House Bill 3 (HB 3) Implementation: Financial Aid Application

Beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student 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 (provided by high school counselor)

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will make a variety of resources available to support school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in implementing the new requirement.

Parents of Students of the Class of 2022

An important part of students completing FAFSA are parents completing their tax returns. Parents, please be sure to have your previous year’s Tax Returns available by October 1 of the student’s Senior year.

Parent Informational Letter

Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form (English)    Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form (Spanish)

Also, you may find additional financial aid resources in SchooLinks (LCISD's CCMR Platform) and in resources below.

Financial Aid Resources

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Texas application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

College Affordability Guide

Creating and Using the FSA ID

Financial Aid for Minority Students

Right now, over 1.4 million students left $2.7 billion in financial aid on the table by not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal financial aid for college is often underutilized due to the complexity of required paperwork; however, 90% of students who do complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) enroll in school. This year, the FAFSA is being streamlined in the hope of increasing participation. Learn more: FAFSA Makes Changes Hoping Students Will Utilize Funds

1. It's FREE. Doesn't cost you anything.
2. It's EASY. The application has been majorly simplified.
3. It's FAST. It takes most students just 30 minutes to complete. 

When is the deadline?

For priority consideration, submit your application by Jan. 15. Additional forms might be required. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with your College and Career Facilitator and/or attending institution. 

Need help completing financial aid applications? District College and Career Facilitators are available to assist students and parents/guardians. You can receive help to file the FAFSA/TASFA application necessary to receive financial aid and submit verification for your support documents through campus College and Career facilitators and by attending campus face-to-face and virtual financial aid events, appointments, and our district CCMR Night.

LCISD Financial Aid Workshops/Sessions

We provide Juniors/Seniors and parents/guardians with opportunities to attend financial aid nights/workshops/appointments that provide the following outcomes:

• Participants will gain confidence in FAFSA completion and be introduced to best practices. 

• Participants will understand dependency issues, parental requirements and uncover common pitfalls of the FAFSA. 

• Participants will have a chance to ask questions from seasoned financial aid experts. 

• Participants will begin the FAFSA process by completing the FSA ID.

• Participants will also get the opportunity, if needed, to explore with hands-on FAFSA practice with scenarios & taxes 

What should you have on hand for a FAFSA/Financial Aid Session/Event?

• Student and both parents' W-2 Forms and other records of money earned in the previous year

• Student and both parents' 1040 Form from previous year Federal Income Tax Return

• Student and both parents' Social Security Number**

• Parents' Marriage and/or divorce date (Month and Year)

• Parents' Birthdays (Month and Year)

• Students Driver's License**

• Student and Parents' untaxed income records such as Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, Welfare Benefits, Child Support, Alimony, TANF, etc**

• Student and both parents' business investment, mortgage information and other investment records**

• Student's alien registration card if student is a permanent resident and not a U.S. Citizen**

• A list of colleges or universities where the student has applied or will apply for

** If applicable

There are many opportunities for students to receive assistance completing their FAFSA or TASFA.

• Fall: Campus face-to-face and virtual options (see campus CCF and website for details)
• District 2022 CCMR Night: October 4^th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Foster High School
• Appointment with Campus College and Career Facilitator
• Asynchronous resources in SchooLinks

FINANCIAL AID & FAFSA Support: college and career facilitators

• Jennifer Nowak ([email protected]), Foster High School
• Mary Saville ([email protected]), Fulshear High School
• Janet Buffamante ([email protected]), Lamar Consolidated High School
• Willie Yarber ([email protected]), Randle High School
• Shelby Nilsen ([email protected]), Terry High School