Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1: Gather Your Information

If you're a dependent student you'll use information about yourself and your parents on the FAFSA. If you're an independent student you'll just use your own information. Not sure which applies to you? Answer a few questions to find out your Dependency Status.

The FAFSA requires income tax information from two years prior. For example, FAFSA 2025-2026 will use income tax information from 2023. IRS Tax Return Transcript Request

Here is a list of documents you will need:

1. Your Social Security number (and your parents', if dependent and they have one)
2. Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
3. Your Income Tax Return (and your spouse's, if married) 
4. Your Parents' Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
5. Your W-2 forms and other records of money earned
6. Any untaxed income records including child support paid or received
7. Your current bank statements
8. Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records

Step 2: Submit the FAFSA

You'll need to apply each year. Applications are available as soon as October 1 for the following fall semester. Apply as soon as the application becomes available and you have the documents needed.

You can also fill out and mail a FAFSA to the U. S. Department of Education, but we strongly recommend completing it online.

Financial aid computer labs are available at three locations (Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County Campuses) to help you with the process. Please see our contact information for office locations and lab hours.

Step 3: Check Your Status in JagNet

Online FAFSA applications will be processed after you (and your parents) have signed the application with a FSA User ID. STC will receive processed applications from the U.S. Department of Education within three to five working days. After that time please check your status in JagNet or visit our offices.