Financial Aid

NEW GRADUATION REQUIREMENT BEGINNING WITH THE CLASS OF 2022!

In accordance with Texas Education Code, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:  

  • complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

  • complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or

  • submit a signed opt-out form.

FAFSA opens in December, and it’s recommended to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible in order to be eligible for the most financial aid.  Please look over the FAFSA checklist and assist your student in gathering this information so that he/she is ready to start working on the FAFSA in December.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your student’s counselor!

FAFSA Required Information Checklist: https://bisd.link/CQehuI

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The key resource for both scholarships and financial aid is the college (or university or technical school) you hope to attend.  Contact a college admissions counselor or financial aid counselor at your school(s) of interest for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Financial aid typically comes in the form of grants (free money) or loans (money that will eventually need to be paid back).

Key to being eligible for financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Student Aid, more commonly known as FAFSA.  For students entering college in/after the fall of 2024, the FAFSA will open in December.  The information contained in this application is used to calculate your need for financial aid. Paper worksheets are available, though the final application will be submitted online.

Prior to filling out FAFSA, both parent(s) and student need to create a Federal Student Aid ID to start in the application process.  This can be done in the fall of the senior year.

*BISD will host Financial Aid workshops in the fall for students and parents.  Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

For more information on how to pay for college, visit

FINANCIAL AID FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Opportunities for financial aid are also available to undocumented students.  Instead of completing the FAFSA, students will complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).

FinAid -- The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid has a section to help answer questions undocumented students may have as they search for financial support for college.  Visit www.finaid.org/otheraid/undocumented.phtml.

Another resource is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund: www.hsf.net.