How the waitlist moved
Awards came off the waitlist through the summer as families opted out or switched to the homeschool tier. Late awards were prorated for families who confirmed after mid-September.
You must reapply
A student who wasn't awarded has to apply again for 2027-28. The Legislature, which convenes January 12, 2027, will decide how much money the second year has.
Catholic schools
The Archdiocese's Hope for the Future fund is reserved for families who didn't receive TEFA, so waitlisted families should apply.
Other schools
Ask about need-based aid, look at partner church schools, and watch for scholarship organizations under the federal tax credit starting in January 2027.
How big the line is
The Comptroller's August report counted 85,344 funded accounts and more than 121,000 students on the year-one waitlist as of July 29. The San Antonio region alone had 10,495 funded students.
Keep your seat warm
If your child is at a private school without TEFA this year, tell the school you plan to apply again. Many schools hold re-enrollment in January and February, before TEFA's second-year window is likely to open.
Siblings go first next year
In year two, siblings of children already in the program are placed ahead of new applicants. If one of your children was funded and another was waitlisted, the waitlisted child should be in a much stronger position.
Next step
Take the two-minute funding check. A School Funding Advisor will go through every source your family qualifies for and the dates that apply.