GoingMerry - GoingMerry provides a simple, user-friendly, platform to walk you through completing the FAFSA step-by-step.  GoingMerry is a safe and secure way to submit your FAFSA and provides the added bonus of helping you identify scholarships that are right for you. GoingMerry is also available to you as you complete FAFSA each year while you are attending college.  Additional support for using GoingMerry is available in the FAQs below.  

StudentAid.Gov - We recommend using GoingMerry as a safe and secure way to complete and submit your FAFSA. However, you may submit your FAFSA directly to the federal government's site on your own instead of using GoingMerry. If you choose to use this option you MUST log in to your GoingMerry account and enter your EFC (expected family contribution) to record that you have met the graduation requirement. 

If you have a social security number this section does not apply to you.

If you are a Texas resident and DO NOT have a social security number you are not eligible to submit a FAFSA, but Texas still has financial aid available for you. You should complete the TASFA application and submit it directly to your college or university.  The TASFA form and instructions are available to download in English and Spanish. Once you have submitted your TASFA and received your EFC (expected family contribution) you MUST log in to your GoingMerry account and enter your EFP to record that you have met this graduation requirement. 

TASFA Instructions in English (PDF)

TASFA Instructions in Spanish (PDF)

Even if you are not planning to go to college or you know that you will not be eligible for federal or state financial aid, we still encourage you to submit the FAFSA or TASFA. Colleges use this informaiton to provide access to work-study programs, grants, and college-based financial aid.  In addition, we know that plans often change as graduation draws near and having a submitted form gives you a safety net in case your plans turn toward going. 

If you are certain that you do not plan to attend college you may complete the opt-out form below and submit it to your counselor. Please note that this form requires your signature and your parent or guardian's signature if you are under 18 years old.

 

Opting Out

A student may opt out of the financial aid application graduation requirement if:

• a parent or guardian submits a signed form;
• the studnt is 18 years of age or older and sumits a signed form; or
• a school counselor authorizes the student to decline to complete and sumit the applicaiton for good cause.

Opt-Out Form in English (PDF)

Opt-Out Form en Espanol (PDF)

Please bring your completed Opt-Out form to your counselor so they can document that you have selected the opt-out option in your graduation records. 

 

FAFSA or TAFSA Financial Aid Requirement for Graduation

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:  

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
• Submit a signed opt-out form.

*Update as of October 1, 2021:  The 2022-2023 FAFSA form is now open!  Visit the Federal Student Aid webpage to learn more, or to apply for aid.  For more information regarding the TASFA, please visit the Texas Application for State Financial Aid webpage.  

 

Laws and Rules

In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature established the new requirement for Texas students to complete a financial aid application (or formally opt out) in order to graduate.  The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted rules related to the new requirement in January 2021.  

Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter B. Graduation Requirements (effective August 1, 2021)

House Bill (HB) 3 required the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement the requirement.  These rules were drafted in consultation with a statewide advisory committee and were published in October 2021.  

Chapter 74. Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter BB. Commissioner's Rules Concerning High School Graduation 

Start by logging in to your Going Merry account or download the app on your cellphone.  Going Merry is designed to walk you step-by-step trough the process. 

If you still need assistance please see your counselor or college and career facilitator. 

Yes. Going Merry has strict security protocols, including encryption of all information and safe storage of your personal data. The do NOT sell your data to third parties. 

Students received a first-time log in email from Going Merry. If they haven’t received their email, or if they inadvertently deleted it, they can send an email to support@goingmerry.com and include their school name, student email address, and their name. This will allow Going Merry to assist them in recovering their account.  

GoingMerry Finanacial Aid Spotlight - This video gives a brief overview of Going Merry to help you get started with your account and searching for scholarships.  

Going Merry has made it easy for you to get the support you need at no cost to you.  Below are three options if you need additional support.

1. send an email to support@goingmerry.com

2. Stop by and see your campus college and career specialist or your counselor.

3. Email the College and Career Readiness team at ccr@nisdtx.org

Going Merry has a database of helpful articles in case you run into a situation that requires a more detailed support. CLICK HERE to acces that database.