FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
Understanding how to pay for college doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're completing the FAFSA or TASFA, searching for scholarships, or comparing college costs, our free financial aid resources are here to help you make informed decisions and confidently plan for your future.
📄 Featured Downloads
Explore printable planning tools designed to help you stay organized throughout the financial aid process.
🚧 Coming Soon
📄 Scholarship Tracker
📄 Financial Aid Document Checklist
📄 Financial Aid Award Letter Comparison Worksheet
📄 College Cost Comparison Worksheet
✨ We're continuously adding new financial aid planning resources. Check back often for new worksheets, guides, and planning tools.
🚀 Start Here
Not sure where to begin? Follow these five simple steps to stay organized and confidently navigate the financial aid process.
Step 1: Determine whether you'll complete FAFSA or TASFA.
Step 2: Gather the documents you'll need.
Step 3: Submit your application as early as possible.
Step 4: Search and apply for scholarships.
Step 5: Review your financial aid offers.
🎓 FAFSA
Who should apply?
✔ U.S. Citizens
✔ Eligible Non-Citizens
What is it?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Resources
Student Aid Index (SAI) Estimator: Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI) to better understand the types of financial aid you may qualify for.
FAFSA Application: Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Create an FSA ID: Students and contributors (such as parents) will need an FSA ID to access, complete, and electronically sign the FAFSA.
⭐ TASFA
Who should apply?
✔ Texas Residents
✔ Students not eligible for FAFSA
What is it?
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) helps eligible Texas students apply for state financial aid.
Resources
TASFA Online Application: Texas Application for State Financial Aid is the online application for students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA.
Affidavit of Intent: Some Texas institutions require an Affidavit of Intent as part of the TASFA process. Check with your college to determine whether this form is required. affidavit-of-intent_TASFA.pdf
🧾 IRS & Tax Documents
Why is this important?
Tax documents are commonly required to verify income when completing financial aid applications.
Resources
Tax Transcript Request: The Tax Transcript Request form allows individuals to request a copy of their tax return transcript from the IRS for use in verifying income for financial aid and other purposes.
F4506-T: The Form 4506-T is a request form for a transcript of tax returns from the IRS, used to verify income information for financial aid applications.
🏫 College Cost Tools
Why use these tools?
Understanding the true cost of college before you apply can help you make informed financial decisions.
Resources
CSS Profile: The CSS Profile is an online application used by many colleges and universities to determine a student’s eligibility for institutional financial aid, beyond what is offered by the FAFSA.
Net Price Calculator: Use this to estimate your net price at hundreds of colleges that use the College Board Net Price Calculator.
🎖 Military Benefits
Who should use these resources?
If you have served in the military or are the dependent of a veteran, additional education benefits may be available.
Resources
Select Service Registration: The Select Service website provides resources and information on registering for the Selective Service System, which is required for federal student aid eligibility.
Veterans Paying for College: If you are a veteran, here are some ways you can get money to help pay for college. This includes applying for veterans' benefits.
💚 Need Additional Help?
Navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you have questions about FAFSA, TASFA, scholarships, or understanding your financial aid options, Pivot Foundation is here to help.
Schedule Your FREE consultation
🌱 Our Promise
At Pivot Foundation, we believe every student deserves access to clear, reliable, and practical college planning resources. We're committed to helping students and families confidently navigate the journey to higher education through guidance, resources, and opportunity.