The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) have recently been updated to make applying for financial aid easier. These changes are part of a multi-year initiative to simplify the process for students and families. Below, you’ll find key details about the updates for both applications, including what’s new for 2025-2026.
The FAFSA and TASFA for the 2025-2026 academic year will open December 2024. This application covers Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. ACC’s Financial Aid Office is here to support new and returning students as they navigate these changes.
What’s New for the 2025-2026 FAFSA & TASFA?
FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens)
| FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens) | |
| Expanded Access and Testing Process | The Department of Education has been testing the new FAFSA application with select groups since October, ensuring a smooth experience for all students when applications open in December. |
| User Experience Updates |
The FAFSA form will stay similar to the 2024-2025 version. There are no major changes, but updates have been made to make it easier to complete based on feedback from students and schools. |
TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency)
| TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency) | |
| Online Access | The TASFA will continue to be available online for Texas residents who do not qualify for federal financial aid, making it easier to submit your application digitally to multiple schools. |
| Online Resources | Visit the official TASFA website for more details on eligibility and the application process. The site has a helpful FAQ section and step-by-step instructions. |
Key Improvements to Expect (2024-2025 and Beyond)
FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens)
| FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens) | |
| Simpler Application & Updated Eligibility | The FAFSA form is now shorter with fewer questions. Updates to the eligibility formula may affect the aid amount you receive. |
| Direct Transfer of Tax Info from the IRS | FAFSA now directly links with the IRS, reducing manual entry of income information. Online consent for this transfer is required by all FAFSA contributors. |
| Expanded Online Access for FSA ID | Parents without a Social Security Number (SSN) can create an FSA ID, streamlining the process for families. |
| Add More Colleges | Students can add up to 20 colleges to their FAFSA, and each school will get a copy to process. |
TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency)
| TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency) | |
| Available Online | The TASFA transitioned from a paper form to an online application. |
| Less Paperwork | Fewer documents are required to complete the application. |
| Add More Colleges | Students can now add up to 10 colleges to their TASFA, and each school will receive a virtual copy for processing. |
Financial Aid Timeline
Below is a list of key financial aid dates. Please monitor your ACCMail & Self-Service for updates.
| Date | Event |
| December 2024 | FAFSA and TASFA applications open for the 2025-2026 school year. |
| February 2025 | ACC Financial Aid Month – Attend events for help with your application! |
| March – April 2025 | ACC Financial Aid Office will begin processing 2025-2026 applications. Check Self-Service for updates. Additional documents may be required. |
| May 1, 2025 | ACC priority date for Fall 2025 financial aid applications. |
| Late Spring – Summer 2025 | The ACC Financial Aid Office will begin notifying students of their financial aid offers for the 2025-2026 school year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Can I still get financial aid for this Spring 2025?
Yes! You can still apply for and receive financial aid for this school year including Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025, even if the semester is already over (or almost over)!
Go to StudentAid.gov/FAFSA to complete this year’s 2024-2025 FAFSA. Use school code 012015 and monitor Self-Service for updates on your financial aid.
To complete this year’s 2024-2025 TASFA (for non-citizens and undocumented Texas residents), follow these steps.
I attended ACC in Fall 2024. Can I still get financial aid for that semester?
Yes! You can still apply for and receive financial aid for this school year including Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025, even if the semester is already over (or almost over)!
Go to StudentAid.gov/FAFSA to complete this year’s 2024-2025 FAFSA. Use school code 012015 and monitor Self-Service for updates on your financial aid.
To complete this year’s 2024-2025 TASFA (for non-citizens and undocumented Texas residents), follow these steps.
FAFSA
The FAFSA changes aim to make it simpler for students and families to apply for college aid. These changes were made possible by the FAFSA Simplification Act, which introduced a shorter form and revised eligibility criteria.
For more details on these changes, please refer to the FAFSA Simplification Act and the FAFSA Simplification Fact Sheet.
Whose information is required on the FAFSA?
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- If you are a dependent student, you will need information for yourself and your parent(s).
- If you are an independent student, you will need information for yourself and, if married, your spouse.
For more information about which parent is required on the FAFSA, review this chart on the Student Aid website. Contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance in unique circumstances.
What information will I need to fill out the FAFSA?
You will need your personal and financial information, including your Social Security Number, federal income tax returns, records of untaxed income, and details about your assets. If applicable, gather similar information for your parent(s) or spouse.
Please note that for the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you will need income information for 2023, while for the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you will need income information for 2022.
Visit the Student Aid website for a comprehensive list.
How does the Direct Transfer of Tax Info work?
The FAFSA collects relevant tax information directly from the IRS, minimizing the need to enter income details manually. This process requires consent and approval by the applicant and any applicable contributors to the FAFSA such as their parents and/or spouse.
What changes can I expect from the Federal Pell Grant?
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, your Pell Grant amount will be based on how many credits you’re enrolled in. This is called enrollment intensity.
- Full-Time Enrollment (12 credits or more): If you are enrolled full-time, you will still receive the full Pell Grant amount.
- Part-Time Enrollment (fewer than 12 credits): If you enroll in fewer than 12 credits, your Pell Grant will be reduced proportionally. For example, if you are enrolled in 9 credits (three-quarter time), you will receive a percentage of the Pell Grant based on that reduced enrollment.
This change means that your Pell Grant will more closely align with your actual enrollment status. For more information on how this impacts your Pell Grant, visit the Disbursements & Refunds page.
Yes, parents who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) must still create their FSA ID. The FSA ID is required for all contributors, starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
Individuals without a SSN can create an FSA ID account online using the steps below.
The Department of Education has provided helpful guidance for situations like this. For step-by-step instructions, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
The Department of Education has provided helpful guidance for situations like this. For step-by-step instructions on submitting your application, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
TASFA
This transition will streamline the work of all parties involved and provide TASFA applicants with a simplified online financial aid process as opposed to the previous paper application.
Whose information is required on the TASFA?
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) form.
- If you are a dependent student, you will need information for yourself and your parent(s).
- If you are an independent student, you will need information for yourself and, if married, your spouse.
Contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance in unique circumstances.
What information will I need to fill out the TASFA?
You will need your personal and financial information, including your federal income tax returns, records of untaxed income, and details about your assets. If applicable, gather similar information for your parent(s) or spouse.
Please note that for the 2025-2026 TASFA, you will need income information for 2023, while for the 2024-2025 TASFA, you will need income information for 2022.
We’re here for you.
Contact ACC’s Financial Aid Office
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