• FAFSA, TASFA, or Opt-out

    In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must complete one of the following for graduation requirements:

    • Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid ()
    • Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid
    • Submit a signed opt-out form (; )

    Students 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 a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). To review the FAFSA filing requirements, please visit the .

    FAFSA and TASFA Completion Benefits ALL Students:

    The FAFSA must be completed to apply for grants, loans, and work-study. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to help pay for college or trade schools. The FAFSA must be completed to apply for grants, loans, and work-study.

    NOTE: All Financial information is kept confidential. EMS ISD will ONLY receive completion status information from Apply Texas.

    Many students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college or trade school.

    Research indicates two-thirds of most living wage jobs will require a post-secondary credential. Training for such credentials can be expensive, and entrance applications can be challenging. EMS ISD is committed to preparing all students for the transition from high schools to multiple pathways after graduation including college, career, and military.

    Financial need increases with college cost. Most colleges, state agencies, and scholarship foundations require the FAFSA to award scholarships to offset this increase in cost.

    FAFSA is a prerequisite for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and Parent Plus loans. These loans are available without regard to demonstrated financial need and have lower interest rates than private loans.

    The FAFSA can be sent to up to 10 schools with one application. The TASFA is a new application per school.

    EMS ISD will support students and families in completing this graduation requirement through the school guidance counselor, college and career readiness specialist, Super Saturday, as well as EMS ISD College night, and other campus events. Campus counseling teams will be speaking to all seniors through various classes to explain the requirements, benefits, and due dates on all documents.

    Students not planning to attend a training institution after high school will have a back-up plan if plans change later in these uncertain times. Having the application already completed will alleviate future stress. Some colleges and trade schools have deadlines and may run out of funds if the student waits too long.

    A student may opt out of the financial aid application graduation requirement if:

    • a parent or guardian submits a signed form to their counselor; or
    • the student is 18 years of age or older and submits a signed form to their counselor; or
    • a school counselor authorizes the student to decline to complete and submits the application for good cause

    Opt-out form (; )