Prospective First-Year
New Horned Frogs for Fall 2025
Financial Aid makes TCU possible for nearly 80% of our students. If you have a dream of being a Horned Frog, we’ll help you manage the application process to make it happen.
Here's your step-by-step list of what you need to do. You can also go straight to our list of Important Dates.
Step 1: Submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA
In the past, students and parents were able to access the FAFSA form with their name and Social Security Number (SSN), and then need an FSA ID to complete and sign the form. However starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, students and parents will not be able to access the FAFSA form without an FSA ID set up prior to starting the form. Please note that it will take 1 to 3 days for an FSA ID to go through the verification process so it is advised that you start that process now to avoid further delays.
Historically, the FAFSA has been available beginning October 1st each year. The FAFSA is free to fill out, and it’s required annually. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
Terminology Changes
- Contributor: anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA - student, student spouse, parent(s), and stepparent(s) for example.
- Consent: each contributor will now need to provide their consent to the Federal Tax Information (FTI) being included in the FAFSA, even if they did not file a U.S. tax return.
- FTI: Federal Tax Information (FTI) transferred directly from the IRS, replaces the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT).
Other Key Changes
- Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the term Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
- New terminology - you will notice new terminology being used in the application and aid eligibility process.
- There are a reduced number of questions on the FAFSA.
- For students whose parents are divorced or separated, the Custodial Parent on your FAFSA will be the parent who provides you with the most financial support and will no longer necessarily be the parent with whom you lived with the most over the past 12 months.
- Each contributor (student, student spouse, parent(s) or stepparent) will have to provide consent.
TCU’s FAFSA code is 003636.
Allow about an hour to complete this application. Previously, users had the option to enter their tax information manually or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Beginning with 2024-2025, all persons on the FAFSA must provide consent for the Department of Education to receive tax information or confirmation of non-filing status directly from the IRS.
Or
If you are classified as a Texas Resident and cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are encouraged to complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
Now available, the Online Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
Step 2: Complete the CSS Profile
This College Board application helps determine your eligibility for institution-based financial aid. If you took the SAT, you can use the same login. If you haven’t taken the SAT, you’ll have to create a new account. The College Board charges a fee for each college you send a CSS profile to, but some students are eligible for a fee waiver. Check the waiver requirements on the College Board website.
TCU's CSS code is 6820.
Step 3: Submit Verification Documents (if requested)
If there’s conflicting information between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile or if the U.S. Department of Education requires verification, you’ll need to submit the requested documents before your financial aid award can be finalized. You can view the status of your financial aid by logging on to my.tcu.edu.Check your email often to avoid delays should there be more documentation needed. Please only submit verification documents if requested by TCU.
Step 4: Watch for Your Financial Aid Award Notification
The timeline for receiving your award letter will depend on when you applied for admission. The Office of Financial Aid will notify you at the email address you provided on your admission application once this information is available. You can view your financial aid package by logging on to my.tcu.edu.
Important Dates
|
October 1 |
CSS Profile, prospective first-year students may begin to submit for the upcoming academic year |
|
December 2024 |
Submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available for the upcoming academic year School Code 003636 |
|
November 1 |
Early Action and Early Decision deadlines |
|
December |
Admittance letters will begin being sent by the Office of Admission |
|
December |
Academic Scholarship notifications, sent by the Office of Admission, begin and continue through March |
|
December |
Schedule your audition or submit your portfolio for fine arts consideration. Auditions and portfolio reviews generally take place at the beginning of the Spring semester; Contact the department directly for instructions |
|
January |
Aid notifications begin for Early Decision (ED) students Applicants for assistance must be admitted to the University before aid is committed. |
|
February |
Aid notifications begin for Early Action (EA) students Applicants for assistance must be admitted to the University before aid is committed |
|
February |
Admission application deadline for prospective first-year students to be considered for academic scholarships More information |
|
February |
Aid notifications for regular admit students Applicants for assistance must be admitted to the University before aid is committed |
|
February 1 |
Priority funding deadline for prospective first-year students; Prospective students should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by this date in order to be considered for all forms of aid |
|
May 1 |
National school commitment date for first-year students |
|
May 1 |
Priority date for all requested financial aid forms for the Fall semester; Check your email Returning students must have the FAFSA filed for renewal of aid. |
|
July |
e-Z Bill for the Fall semester is sent via email from the Office of Student Financial Services |
|
August 1 |
First payment for the Fall semester becomes due |