Understanding
Financial Aid
Play video “FAFSA Video 1”
then return to the next slide in
this Powerpoint.
What is the FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for …
“Federal Application for
Free Student Aid”
What is the FAFSA?
 The
FAFSA is an application that students fill
out in the spring of their senior year (after
January 1) to apply for financial aid from the
government.
 Aid will be awarded in the form of grants,
loans and/or work-study.
 Applications are typically completed online.
Spanish versions are available.
 Workshops are available to help you fill it
out.
Types of Aid
Grants
Money
you do
not pay back
Loans
Money
you
borrow and pay
back after you
graduate
More about Grants
 There
are two major grants that students
can receive: the Pell Grant and the
Texas Grant
 The Pell Grant is federal and can be used
in Texas as well as other states
 The Texas Grant must be used at a public
college in Texas only
More about the Texas Grant
Eligible Students…
 Are
Texas residents
 Complete the Recommended High School
Program or Distinguished Achievement
Program in high school
 Have not been convicted of a felony or
crime involving a controlled substance
 Show financial need
 Enroll in a public college or university in
Texas within 16 months of graduation
More about the Texas Grant
How much can I receive?
 $6,080
per year for public 4-year universities
(UH, SHSU, UT, A&M)
 $1780 per year for public 2-year community
college (Lone Star College)
 $2,680 per year for public technical college
(UTI, ITT, DeVry)
Play video “FAFSA Video 2”
then return to the next slide in
this Powerpoint.
FAFSA Tips
 Be
sure you are on free or reduced lunch
NOW (in high school) if you qualify, so you
can answer yes to those questions later on
the FAFSA! It will help you get more money!
 Free/reduced lunch applications are
available online at www.cfisd.net or in your
academy’s office – ask the secretary for
help with this
FAFSA Tips
 Get
your pin number now! You cannot
submit your FAFSA online without it and
there is no reason to wait. It will take longer
to receive it after Jan. 1 and you don’t
want to be stuck waiting for it. You need
one and your parents need their own.
FAFSA Tips
 Remember
you do not have to accept all
money awarded to you – loans have to be
paid back later, so don’t accept more than
you absolutely need!
Play video “FAFSA Video 3”
then return to the next slide in
this Powerpoint.
FAFSA Websites
Websites are in the brochures:
 www.fafsa.ed.gov
 www.pin.ed.gov
 www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov