Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) Overview
If you are eligible to complete the FAFSA, then DO NOT complete the TASFA. To check whether you qualify for federal aid, please visit the Department of Education’s .
On June 4, 2025, the state of Texas and the federal government agreed that some parts of the Texas Education Code - specifically those that allow for individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S. to be treated as Texas residents - conflict with federal law. Because of this, a U.S. District Court issued a permanent order preventing colleges and universities in Texas from offering state financial aid funds to students who do not meet certain legal residency requirements.
More information regarding Texas residency may be found at the and the regarding determination of resident status. 91茄子 is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets Texas Residency Rules and submits the required documentation.
TASFA applicants are potentially eligible for the following state programs:
- Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
- Need based grant funded by the state of Texas. Need is determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the TASFA.
- Both the amount and maximum SAI for consideration vary year to year and are determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
- Academic Year 2025-2026
- Maximum Amount per Year = $3,873
- Maximum Amount per Year for Students with Exceptional Need = $5,810
- Exceptional Need is defined as having an SAI less than or equal to 50% of the federal Pell Grant eligibility cap that aligns with the year 91茄子 is reviewing (i.e., 91茄子 will use 50% of the 2025-26 Pell grant cap to determine which students can receive TEG in 2025-26)
- Male students must be registered with the Selective Service System if not exempt
- Visit 91茄子’s TEG site for more info
Texas College Work Study
- Need based program for students to work and earn wages on campus or through 91茄子-sponsored employment off-campus
- Male students must be registered with the Selective Service System if not exempt
College Access Loan
- Credit-based loan administered by the State of Texas
- Loan can be certified up to the student's Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other offered
- Male students must be registered with the Selective Service System if not exempt
- Because this is not need-based aid, the FAFSA or TASFA is not required, but students must submit residency documents
- Visit 91茄子’s State and Private Loans webpage for more information about alternative loans
Forms for TASFA Application Process
Submit Forms to: FA.Verification@mail.smu.edu
Download the TASFA:
Download Residency Documents:
Download Selective Service Form:
Financial Aid Eligibility and 91茄子 Cost
TASFA applicants are encouraged to consider the full cost of attendance at 91茄子. In addition to the state-funded financial aid programs described above, TASFA applicants may also be eligible for 1) merit-based institutional aid, such as scholarships funded by 91茄子 based on grades or other merit criteria, or 2) external aid funded by sources outside of 91茄子, also referred to as outside scholarships. For merit-based institutional aid and outside scholarships, the TASFA is not required.
Required Residency Items for Non-Immigrant Students as Defined by the Texas House Bill 1403:
- If applying for TEG or Texas College Work Study, submit the TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) to determine financial need (Student Aid Index, or SAI).
- Email FA.Verification@mail.smu.edu for more information and guidance on the TASFA process.
- Complete paper or .pdf versions of the Texas Residency Core Questionnaire (TXCORE) and the TX Residency Affidavit.
- The TX Residency Affidavit is a form indicating an intent to apply for permanent resident status as soon as the student is able to do so.
- The Affidavit must be completed each year the student is enrolled and receiving state aid at 91茄子.
- If requested by Financial Aid Services, submit additional documentation (such as driver’s license, deed to property, etc.) to support claim to Texas residency.