Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) Overview

Under Texas House Bill 1403, Texas law allows non-immigrant and undocumented students who do not qualify for federal aid (i.e., are not citizens or permanent residents) to apply for and receive state aid. SMU is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets Texas Residency Rules and submits the required documentation. To check whether you qualify for federal aid, please visit the Department of Education’s FAFSA webpage. If you are eligible to complete the FAFSA, then DO NOT complete the TASFA.

More information regarding Texas residency may be found at the College for All Texans' Residency Information webpage and the Texas Administrative Code Rule §21.24 regarding determination of resident status.

TASFA applicants are potentially eligible for the following state programs:

  • Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
    • Need based grant funded by the state of Texas. For non-immigrants, 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 2023-2024
      • 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 SMU is reviewing (i.e., SMU will use 50% of the 2023-24 Pell grant cap to determine which students can receive a TEG award in 2023-24)
    • Male students must be registered with the Selective Service System if not exempt
    • Visit SMU’s TEG site for more info

Texas College Work Study

  • Need based program for students to work and earn wages on campus or through SMU-sponsored employment off-campus
  • If you have authorization to work in the U.S., you may also be eligible for Texas College Work Study funds
  • 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
  • If applicant is not a citizen, co-signer must be US Citizen or permanent US Resident
  • Male students must be registered with the Selective Service System if not exempt
  • Because this is not need-based aid, TASFA is not required, but students must submit residency documents
  • Visit SMU’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 SMU Cost

TASFA applicants are encouraged to consider the full cost of attendance at SMU. 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 SMU based on grades or other merit criteria, or 2) external aid funded by sources outside of SMU, 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).
  • 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 SMU.
  • If requested by Financial Aid Services, submit additional documentation (such as driver’s license, deed to property, etc.) to support claim to Texas residency.
  • If applicant is living in the US with a Visa, applicant must have an approved Visa as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.