How to Apply for FAFSA
2024-2025 FAFSA Soft Launch
Here’s what that means for you:
- Be aware of a soft launch with potential temporary access issues due to maintenance in January.
- Full availability is expected in late Jan-Feb, allowing ample time to submit before the May 1st priority deadline.
- While completing the form might still be possible, the FSA won’t transmit your FAFSA to institutions until mid-March. We will begin sending financial aid notifications in early April.
- After submission, a confirmation email will detail your submission date, estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), and potential Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
- An email notification will be sent to you once your FAFSA Submission Summary becomes accessible for online viewing.
Learn More about FAFSA Simplification
Before You Begin
The first time you apply for financial aid, you and your parent must create a FSA ID. This is what you will use to file your FAFSA, complete loan documents, and check your outstanding loan balances etc.
How to get an FSA ID without a SSN
Review Deadlines and Apply for FAFSA
Complete your FAFSA electronically each year you’re requesting Financial Aid for Tarleton State University.
FAFSA Filing Dates for the Academic Year
| Filing Date | Consideration |
| January 15 | Final filing date to be considered for any institutional funds (2023-2024 Academic Year) |
| January 15 | TEXAS Grant for initial eligibility (2023-2024 Academic Year) |
| March 15 | TEXAS Grant for initial eligibility (2024-2025 Academic Year) |
| May 1 | Final filing date to be considered for any institutional funds (2024-2025 Academic Year) |
IRS Data Retrieval Tool
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows you to transfer information from your Federal Tax Return to your FAFSA, reducing data entry errors and reduces your chances of being selected for Verification.
For additional information watch the videos What is the IRS Data Retrieval Process and Verification or learn more about the Simple Steps to Transfer Tax Information.
Verification
Some FAFSAs are selected for a review process called verification to validate the accuracy of FAFSA information. Additional documentation will be requested, these items may include:
- Citizenship/eligible non-citizen status
- Veteran status
- High school completion
- Documentation of independent student status
- IRS Tax transcript
If you are selected, you will receive an email from the Tarleton Office of Financial Aid.
Your financial aid eligibility could change because of corrections made during verification. If your eligibility changes, your financial aid awards will be adjusted, and you will receive a revised award letter or notification via email or postal mail.
To see what needs to be submitted visit:
What if I Don’t Finish my Verification?
Your financial aid will not apply to your billing account until verification is complete, so please respond immediately to any requests from our department.
Should you fail to submit all required documentation, financial aid will not be awarded and/or disbursed.