The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) are getting major updates, including changes to the application process and eligibility criteria. ACC’s Financial Aid Office is committed to providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition for both first-time applicants and returning students.
Latest Updates from the Department of Education
Delay Receiving Your FAFSA (January 30, 2024)
The Department of Education will begin sending 2024-2025 FAFSA information to ACC during the first half of March. At that time, ACC will begin processing 2024-2025 FAFSAs. Students will also be able to make corrections to their application starting in the first half of March.
FAFSA Form Issues (January 3, 2024)
The Department of Education is working to resolve ongoing form issues preventing various users from completing their FAFSA. We recommend monitoring this webpage for the latest updates and FAQs.
FAFSA Form Online by December 31 (December 15, 2023)
Starting December 31, students and families can submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA online. After this date, the Federal Student Aid (FSA) will have a soft launch period to fix any problems that come up.
Latest Updates from ACC Financial Aid
Priority Date Extended to May 1 (January 31, 2024)
ACC has extended the financial aid priority date to May 1, 2024. Complete your application by the priority date to ensure your financial aid is ready in time for Fall 2024.
Summary of Changes
Changes to the FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens)
| Changes to the FAFSA (for U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens) | |
| Simpler Application & Updated Eligibility | Expect a shorter, more straightforward application with fewer questions. Eligibility criteria have been updated, including changes to the formula used to determine aid. |
| Direct Transfer of Tax Info from the IRS | The FAFSA will directly link with the IRS, minimizing manual entry of income information. Online consent for this transfer is required by all FAFSA contributors. |
| Terminology Changes | Terminology updates that all students and parents should be familiar with:
Contributor: anyone who is required to provide their information on the FAFSA, such as the student, a spouse, biological or adoptive parent, or stepparent. Student Aid Index (SAI): number calculated by the FAFSA and used by colleges to determine eligibility for financial aid (replaces Expected Family Contribution (EFC)). FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS): application summary received after completing the FAFSA (formerly Student Aid Report (SAR)) |
| Expanded Online Access for FSA ID | Parents without a Social Security Number (SSN) can create their own username and password (FSA ID) to sign their student’s FAFSA, streamlining the online process for the whole family. |
| Add More Colleges | Students can add up to 20 colleges to their FAFSA, and each school will get a copy to process. |
Changes to the TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency)
| Changes to the TASFA (for Non-Citizens & Undocumented Students with Texas Residency) | |
| Available Online | The TASFA transitioned from a paper form to an online application. |
| Less Paperwork | Students are not required to submit as many documents. |
| Add More Colleges | Students can add up to 10 colleges to their online TASFA, and each school will receive a copy for processing. |
Submitting Your Application
The 2024-2025 FAFSA and TASFA are available now for students to complete. Submit one of the following applications based on your background:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
For U.S. citizens & eligible non-citizens
Submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA online. Use ACC’s school code: 012015.
Texas Application for State Student Aid (TASFA)
For non-citizens & undocumented Texas residents
Submit the 2024-2025 TASFA online or by paper.
Financial Aid Timeline
Below is a list of key financial aid dates. Please monitor your ACCMail & Self-Service for updates.
| Date | Event |
| December 31, 2023 | The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) for the 2024-2025 year became available for students and families. |
| February 2024 | We hope you enjoyed Financial Aid Month 2024! If we will be hosting more events in the coming months, if you need immediate assistance please visit any of our Financial Aid Offices at every campus! |
| Late March – April 2024 | The ACC Financial Aid Office will begin to process FAFSA and TASFA submissions. Track your status on Self-Service. Additional documents may be required. |
| May 1, 2024 | ACC priority date for Fall 2024 financial aid. |
| Late Spring – Summer 2024 | The ACC Financial Aid Office will begin notifying students of their financial aid offers for the 2024-2025 school year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Can I still get financial aid for this Spring 2024?
Yes! You can still apply for and receive financial aid for this school year including Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 – even if the semester is already over (or almost over)!
Go to StudentAid.gov/FAFSA to complete this year’s 2023-2024 FAFSA. Use school code 012015 and monitor Self-Service for updates on your financial aid.
To complete this year’s 2023-2024 TASFA (for non-citizens and undocumented Texas residents), follow these steps.
I attended ACC in Fall 2023. 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 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 – even if the semester is already over (or almost over)!
Go to StudentAid.gov/FAFSA to complete this year’s 2023-2024 FAFSA. Use school code 012015 and monitor Self-Service for updates on your financial aid.
To complete this year’s 2023-2024 TASFA (for non-citizens and undocumented Texas residents), follow these steps.
FAFSA
The FAFSA is changing to make it simpler for students and families to apply for college aid. These changes were made possible by the FAFSA Simplification Act, which aims to simplify the process of getting federal student aid.
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 2024-2025 FAFSA, you will need income information for 2022, while for the 2023-2024 FAFSA, you will need income information for 2021.
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.
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.
2023-2024 FAFSA Only
For the 2023-2024 FAFSA, parents who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) do not need to obtain an FSA ID. Instead, they should enter all zeroes in the parent section of the application. Following this, the parent must physically sign the signature page and mail it to the designated mailing address provided within the document.
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 2024-2025 TASFA, you will need income information for 2022, while for the 2023-2024 TASFA, you will need income information for 2021.
We’re here for you.
Contact ACC’s Financial Aid Office
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