Steps for Applying for Aid in New York

1. Apply for FAFSA
2. Apply for New York State TAP (through the FAFSA)
3. Apply for other New York State Aid available (linked here and screenshots below)
4. Apply for institutional aid- check with your college to see if there is a separate application for institutional aid and make sure to fill out the CSS profile
5. Apply for outside scholarships
6. Compare College Award Letters
7. Apply for necessary loans (federal first)

Grants and Scholarships:

Full list of grants and scholarships

Excelsior Scholarship

• In combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free
• Family must have a combined federal gross income of $110,000 or less
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University

The Enhanced Tuition Rewards Program

• Recipients will receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award and a match from their private college.

New York State Part-time Scholarship

• Provides tuition awards to students attending a SUNY or CUNY community college who are enrolled in at least 6 but less than 12 credits each term.

Tuition Assistance Program

• Grant for NY students attending school in NY state
• Amount: Up to $5,165
• Income eligibility requirements apply

NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence

• Grant for NY students attending school in NY state
• Amount: Up to $1,500 per year
• Based on grades in Regents exams

NYS STEM Incentive Program

• Description: Full SUNY tuition scholarship for NY students who pursue a STEM degree AND agree to live and work in NY in a STEM field for five years after graduation.
• Eligibility: Must be in the top 10 percent of graduating class in high school

NYS Achievement & Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)

• Description: Merit-based scholarship for NY students attending college in NY
• Amount: $500 renewable
• Eligibility: GPA of 3.3 or higher, top 15% of class, Score of 3 or higher on 2+ AP exams

New York provides in-state tuition to eligible undocumented students, but undocumented/DACA students are not eligible for state financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

• Attend at least two years of high school in New York
• Graduate from a New York high school or receive GED
• Apply for attendance at an institution within 5 years of receiving a diploma
• Show proof of residence
• File affidavit declaring that you will file for legal status when able

SUNY Resources

CUNY Resources

Private Schools Supporting Undocumented Students

1. Bard College - Use CSS Profile
2. Columbia University - need blind, meets 100% of need
3. Cornell University - need blind, meets 100% of need
4. New York University - “provides full aid for New York Dreamers” but still may not meet full aid
5. University of Rochester - Undocumented students can accept merit scholarships and should work with ISO counselors on financial aid.
6. Vassar College - Will be evaluated as an international student. (CSS Profile, IDOC, tax returns)

Resource from New York Immigration Coalition

Resources on Project College

CUNY

Honors: http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/academic-programs/college-honors-programs/

SEEK & College Discovery: http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/academic-programs/seek-college-discovery/

SUNY

Honors: https://www.suny.edu/attend/academics/honors-programs/

Major Search: https://www.suny.edu/attend/find-a-suny-program/undergraduate/

New York Colleges (Private)

Major Search: http://www.nycolleges.org/find-your-major

Map: http://www.nycolleges.org/locate-colleges

Higher Education Services Corp (HESC)

NY Office of Higher Education

NACAC directory of college access programs

Project College

• Resources on funding and applying to college for NY students and families

College Access Research and Action

• Provides a program for first generation college students to support them through the transition period from senior year to college

College Now