Greetings Class of 2024 and Parents,

Please review this information carefully. This is a graduation requirement.

Each high school senior in a Texas public school district or open enrollment charter school must now complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as a state requirement for graduation. Texas Education Code §28.0256 allows a student to opt out of the financial aid application graduation requirement by submitting a signed form that authorizes the student to decline.

Please check with the college you have applied to for FAFSA priority deadlines. Many have extended their deadline to ensure the FAFSA is filed correctly.

Seniors planning to attend TCC using the BISD Endowed Scholarship (first year tuition paid for with scholarship) must complete a FAFSA or TASFA form. More information can be found here: Birdville ISD Scholarship

Below are the three options to satisfy this requirement. Seniors only need to complete one option.

1. FAFSA Submission – submit through Canvas Assignment. See assignment for detailed instructions. Students will find the link to the assignment in Canvas on their Class of 2024 page in Counselor Connections.
2. TASFA Submission – submit through Canvas Assignment. See assignment for detailed instructions. Students will find the link to the assignment in Canvas on their Class of 2024 page in Counselor Connections.
3. Financial Aid Opt-out form – attached to this email. Copies also available in counseling office.  Turn in a signed form to the counseling office. Students planning to attend TCC using the BISD Endowed Scholarship (first year tuition paid for with scholarship) must complete a FAFSA or TASFA form.

FAFSA Opt-Out Form

To authorize a student to opt out of the financial aid application graduation requirement, the Financial Aid Application Opt-Out form must be signed by one of the following:

• OPTION I: A student age 18 years or older or emancipated minor under Chapter 31, Texas Family Code
• OPTION II: The student’s parent or guardian and the student
• OPTION III: A school counselor, for good cause as determined by the school counselor, and the student

Students under 18 years of age may only be authorized to decline under OPTION II or OPTION III.  Submitting a Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form does not prohibit a student from completing and submitting a financial aid application at any time in the future. 

English Version: Financial Aid Opt-Out Form

Spanish Version: Financial Aid Opt-Out Form - SPANISH

Detailed instructions on how to submit proof of completion are located in the Counselor Connections Canvas page.