With so many Better FAFSA updates we’re excited to officially share that The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has announced that for the 2024-25 State Financial Aid Priority deadline has been updated to March 15, 2024!

With so many Better FAFSA updates we’re excited to officially share that The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has announced that for the 2024-25 State Financial Aid Priority deadline has been updated to March 15, 2024!

Once FAFSA opens in December students will have until March 15 to be considered for the State Priority deadline. By submitting their FAFSA by the priority deadline, students receive full consideration for the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible.

Many types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can think of it as a virtual line, the sooner they complete their FAFSA application (once it opens) the more aid they may be considered for based on their eligibility. Students need to be aware there are many more students also waiting to learn what they qualify for in state, federal, and university aid. The sooner they get in “line” the better!

If students miss the priority deadline, they can still submit a financial aid application, but their chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible for are much slimmer and the payout is often lower.

Communicating the financial aid priority deadline to students effectively is crucial to ensure they have enough time to complete their applications. Here are some steps you can take to convey this information:

1. Host Informative FSA ID Drives this Fall

During these sessions, emphasize the importance of meeting the priority deadline. Start letting parents and students know about this year’s financial aid timeline with Financial Aid Applications opening in December and the Priority Deadline being March 15.

2. Send Email/Text Notifications:

Send out an email blast to all students and families well in advance of the deadline. Make the subject line clear and attention-grabbing, for example, “Important: Complete Your Financial Aid Application by the Priority Deadline – March 15!”

Did you know that financial aid is distributed on a first-come first-served basis?  Think of completing your FAFSA/TASFA as getting in a virtual line, the sooner you complete your FAFSA/TASFA application, the closer to the front of the line you will be. And the closer to the front of the line that you are, the more aid you may be considered for based on your eligibility. Don’t forget that there are many more students also waiting to get in line. The sooner you get in “line” the better!

3. Utilize Social Media and Website:

Use your high school or district’s social media platforms and website to post reminders about the financial aid priority deadline. Create eye-catching graphics and short, informative posts to grab students’ attention. Canva is a great tool for this!

4. Create a Countdown:

Consider creating a countdown clock on your website or in your emails to visually remind students of the approaching financial aid priority deadline. Here is an example of a virtual countdown you can have displayed in your office/classroom.

Effective communication of the Texas financial aid priority deadline to students and their families is crucial for ensuring that they have access to the financial support they need to pursue a postsecondary education. To achieve this, remember to prioritize accessibility and clarity in your messages. Always include your contact information, making it clear that you are available to answer questions and provide assistance. And don’t forget to recognize the diversity of your student population and take proactive steps to ensure that information about the priority deadline is accessible in multiple languages if necessary.

Ultimately, the key is to encourage prompt action from students and their families. Make it as convenient as possible for them to submit their financial aid applications by the priority deadline. By creating awareness and fostering open communication, you can empower students to access the resources they need to succeed in their academic journeys.