Check out our Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance page HERE.

FAFSA

Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousand of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you're interested in whether they do! Apply for federal student aid - grants, work-study, and loans - using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. And remember, the first F in "FAFSA" stands for "free" - you shouldn't pay to fill out the FAFSA form!

The FAFSA Application for seniors planning to attend a college/university/technical/vocational school in Fall of 2023 opens December 2023
Please check with your school(s) of choice for specific FAFSA submission deadlines!
Before you begin your 2024-2025 application, be sure to create your FAFSA account (FSA ID) so you can log in. View this How to Video and then click here to create your account.
- Each student, and one of your parents/guardians, will need an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA application process.
You can start the FAFSA process by logging in using your FSA ID username and password.

FAFSA, why you should file despite being financially stable.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be beneficial for all students, including those who are financially well off. Here are some reasons why:

Access to Federal Student Aid Programs: The FAFSA is not just for low-income students. It's a requirement for eligibility for various federal student aid programs, such as Direct Loans, Pell Grants, work-study opportunities, and some scholarships. Even if you come from a financially stable background, you might still want to take advantage of these programs to help cover educational expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Some institutions and states use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for certain merit-based scholarships. These scholarships might not be solely need-based; they could take into account academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or other factors. By completing the FAFSA, you open yourself up to more potential scholarship opportunities.
Institutional Aid: Many colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own need-based and merit-based financial aid programs. These aid packages can sometimes be more comprehensive than federal aid and might include grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance that could reduce the overall cost of your education.
Peace of Mind: Completing the FAFSA can provide a safety net. If unforeseen circumstances arise during your academic journey that impact your family's financial situation, having the FAFSA on file can make it easier to apply for aid without delays.
Work-Study Opportunities: FAFSA eligibility is required for participation in federal work-study programs. Engaging in work-study can provide valuable job experience and help you offset some of your educational costs, regardless of your financial background.
Data for Financial Planning: The FAFSA process requires you to gather and organize your financial information. This can help you and your family gain a better understanding of your financial situation and plan for the cost of education more effectively.
Graduate and Professional Education: If you plan to pursue graduate or professional education in the future, completing the FAFSA might still be required for access to federal loans and certain institutional funding options.

In essence, completing the FAFSA ensures that you are eligible for a wide range of financial aid opportunities, many of which might not be solely based on financial need. It also provides a safety net for potential future changes in your financial circumstances. Even if you believe you won't qualify for need-based aid, it's still a good idea to complete the FAFSA to keep your options open and maximize your opportunities for financial support.

Victoria West High School

Scholarships

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines

College Application Priority Deadlines for Fall 2024

Popular Universities' Scholarship Resources

General Scholarship Resources

Local Scholarships

State Scholarships (Texas)

University Programs & Promises (Texas)

National Scholarships

Technical School Scholarships

Military Scholarships

FAFSA Information

Informational Articles

Contact Information