What is the TASFA?
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to complete the TASFA.
Should I complete the FAFSA or the TASFA?
| Status | FAFSA | TASFA |
| I am a U.S. Citizen | ✔ | |
| I am a permanent resident with an Alien Registration Card (I-551) | ✔ | |
| I am an eligible non-citizen with an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) showing one of the following: Refugee, Asylum Granted, Parolee (for a minimum of one year) or Cuban-Haitian entrant | ✔ | |
| I do not meet any of the statuses above but I am classified as a Texas resident. My classification as a Texas resident is NOT due to an in-state scholarship or assistantship. | ✔ |
TASFA Application
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is available each year starting on Oct. 1. Apply online!
In addition to the online TASFA, students will also need to submit:
- Texas Wesleyan TASFA Checklist
- Your taxes for the prior-prior tax year, if you filed
- Your parent's tax returns or tax transcript for the prior-prior tax year, if they filed
- State of Texas Notarized Affidavit
- Texas State Aid Self-Certification Form
- If you are male, attach proof of registration with Selective Service
Frequently Asked Questions
The TASFA is a Texas financial aid application that asks questions similar to the FAFSA. It is only for students who are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Students who are not eligible for federal aid through the FAFSA but are residents of Texas are eligible for state aid and may submit a TASFA.
To be considered a Texas resident and qualify for state aid, students must meet these requirements (in accordance with SB 1528):
- Reside in Texas 12 months prior to enrollment in a higher education institution.
- Graduate from a Texas high school or obtain a GED in Texas.
- Have lived in Texas for 36 months prior to high school graduation.
- Sign an Affidavit of Intent to become a permanent resident. This must also be officially notarized.
You will need to complete/gather the following documents:
- Complete Online TASFA
- Texas Wesleyan TASFA Checklist
- Your taxes for the prior-prior tax year, if you filed
- Your parent's tax returns or tax transcript for the prior-prior tax year, if they filed
- Notarized Affidavit
- Texas State Aid Self-Certification Form
- If you are male, attach proof of registration with Selective Service
Undocumented or non-citizens may be able to be classified as Texas Residents for tuition purposes. If you are a Texas Resident, you qualify for state financial aid.
If your parents live in the U.S. and work, they are required to file an income tax each year even if they do not have a social security number. Immigrant workers can apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) when they complete their income tax returns.