TEA: Financial Aid Application Submission Mandate for High School Seniors Remains Unchanged

The TEA announced today that the requirement for Texas public high school seniors to complete (and submit) either the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the free Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) remains unchanged.

“At this time, all students should be able to complete and submit their FAFSA application,” the announcement says — adding that students who do encounter problems should consult the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) FAFSA Help web page.

• Note: The requirement for submitting a completed FAFSA or TASFA applies to Texas public high school seniors who have not been otherwise opted out of the mandate by submitting an opt-out form signed by the student’s parent, guardian, counselor — or by the student (if at least 18 years of age).
  
  The numerous glitches surrounding the USDE’s problematic rollout of the latest (2024-25) version of the FAFSA were the subject of a hearing at the U.S. Capitol today.