In addition to the paper TASFA, the Online TASFA application is now available to submit 100% electronically! Read this blog to learn more about the Online TASFA and be better prepared to support students in completing the application online.

The online TASFA is now available! The electronic application includes features that will streamline the work for counselors and advisors and provide TASFA applicants with a simplified state financial aid process.

As a reminder, students who can apply for the TASFA are not eligible to complete the FAFSA application. The TASFA can be used to apply for institutions participating in state financial aid which include:

• Public colleges, universities, and health related institutions
• Nonprofit private colleges and universities

Using the TASFA form does not automatically make a student eligible for state financial aid.

• The TASFA is a pass-through of student information
• Institutions assess for state and institutional financial aid eligibility

Once the student completes their TASFA application, they may be eligible for the following types of state financial aid:

• Grants
• Work-Study
• Educational Loans
• Exemption/Waver Programs

The paper TASFA remains available for students unable to fill out the Online TASFA. All institutions participating in state financial aid are required to receive the online and paper TASFAs for 2024-25.

Here are some product highlights that you and your team can look forward to:  

1. The Online TASFA application will only be available in English when it’s launched. The Spanish version of TASFA will continue to be available via PDF (aka paper TASFA).
2. Students will be required to create an account with a valid email address. A secure code will be sent to the user to first verify their email.
3. Only eligible students need to create a TASFA account. Parents will not need to create an account.
4. A secure code will be sent to the student’s email each time they access TASFA to validate.
5. The student will answer questions on the following sections:
   • Student
   • Dependency
   • Parent (if applicable)
   • Family Info
   • Colleges
   • Submit
6. Students can select up to 10 institutions for their initial submission and can add up to 10 more colleges for each additional session.
7. The Online TASFA will not generate a Student Aid Index (formerly EFC) but will transmit the data collected to the institutions the student has selected on their application.
8. The Online TASFA will include validation checks to ensure essential information is entered.
9. There will be help icons to provide information on common questions.
10. The student will be able to download and print the online application as a PDF once completed.
11. The Online TASFA submission data will be available to counselors on the ApplyTexas Counselor Suite.
12. Other languages will be considered for future releases of the Online TASFA.
13. The online TASFA application is dynamic that it will adjust to the device being used such as a mobile device or tablet.

The following features will be available when completing their TASFA:

1. The navigation buttons include an automatic “save” feature, so the applicant does not lose information they enter on the TASFA.
2. Skip logic is built into the Online TASFA to eliminate unnecessary questions that do not apply to the student’s situation.
3. Help icons provide additional clarification on most fields to assist students with questions.
4. Male students are required to be registered or exempt for selective service to receive state aid.
5. Incomplete sections of the TASFA application will show on a banner with hyperlinks to the applicable pages
6. The Parent section and parent acknowledgement will display based on the dependency determination.
7. The parent will be emailed a secure link to allow them to review the information entered on the TASFA and complete their acknowledgement electronically.
   • The link is good for 24 hours and can be sent additional links until the TASFA is submitted.​
8. Parent clicks on the link in the email to launch a new browser and must enter three specific student validation items to access the application.​
9. Once student submits their application, they can view their submitted TASFA in a read only format and print a copy by school in PDF format

The launch of the Online TASFA marks a significant milestone in streamlining the financial aid application process for both students and practitioners in Texas. With features designed to simplify navigation and ensure accuracy, this electronic application promises to enhance accessibility and efficiency. It’s crucial to note that while the Online TASFA will initially be available only in English, efforts are underway to address multilingual needs in future releases. We urge counselors and advisors to support students in completing this form to maximize their eligibility for state financial aid. As we eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these changes on future financial aid cycles, TxCAN remains committed to empowering students and practitioners in their pursuit of educational opportunities. Stay tuned for further updates and important dates, and let’s work together to facilitate a smoother and more inclusive financial aid application process for all Texas students.