Different Types of Financial Aid

There are four major types of financial aid: (1) Federal, (2) State, (3) Institutional, and (4) Private.

• Federal aid includes loans, grants, and work-study.  All federal aid is awarded only after the completion of the FAFSA.
• State aid includes loans, grants, work-study, scholarships, and tuition assistance. In NYS, this is only awarded after the completion of TAP.
• Institutional aid is provided by the college or university itself.
• Private aid is provided through loans and scholarships.

What do you have to pay back?

• You must repay all loans, whether they are federal, state, or private.
• Grants, you do not repay.
• Scholarships, you do not repay. Please read any restrictions or limitations on scholarships, as they could potentially turn into loans if part of the agreement is not met.

Federal Student Aid        

The FAFSA, Free Application For Student Aid, can be completed in the fall of the scholar's senior year. States and colleges use the information from the FAFSA form to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans. 

Federal Student Aid

Federal and NYS Aid

Applying for Aid

Excelsior Scholarship

Application

Students from families earning $125,000 or less can attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The application deadline usually is 8/31. 

• Attend SUNY or CUNY tuition-free! 
• Adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less.
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university.
• Enrolled in full-time study (at least 12 credits per term).
• Complete at least 30 credits per year.
• Live and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years you received the scholarship.