Financial Aid
How can I pay for career and technical training?
Tuition at community colleges and technical schools is more affordable than four-year universities.
Financial aid (grants, low-interest loans, and work-study) is available to help pay tuition costs. Aid awards are made based on financial need and other requirements. Some scholarships are available based on merit. Most aid requires you to be at least a half-time student.
grant: gifts, based on need, that do not need to be repaid
loan: borrowed money, usually with a low-interest rate; repayment begins after graduation from the college or school
scholarship: gift aid, usually based on merit, that does not need to be repaid
work-study: money is earned from on-campus job while attending school; does not need to be repaid
529 savings plan: education savings plan with tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses; operated by a state or an educational institution and designed to help families set aside funds for college.
If you’re just beginning high school, your family can put aside money now and borrow less later.
- Learn more about starting a Texas 529 savings plan
- Research additional ways to pay for college
- View our timeline for taking advantage of several ways to pay and save
To receive financial aid, the first step is for you or a parent to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
You may feel overwhelmed when you first see the application. A FAFSA application is detailed like a tax return. In fact, you will need to gather information like tax returns to complete the form.
Follow the step-by-step directions. Meet or beat ALL deadlines.
The time it takes to complete the process is worth it. Billions of dollars of aid are awarded to millions of qualifying students each year.
Your high school counselor may be able to help you—but you have to ask for help.
By completing the FAFSA you are applying for all federal and state financial aid programs (grants, loans, work-study). The community or technical college you are applying to for admission will notify you of aid available.
Scholarship applications are different based on each scholarship program. Your high school counselor and the admissions office at the community or technical college may help you.
Online Resources
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition and Financial Aid by College
College for All Texans: Paying for College
Funding Education Beyond High School (In English and Spanish)
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Other Forms of Financial Aid
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