2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Form):
*NOW OPEN!
Embedded Files
2026 Financial-Aid-for-College.pdfClick to expand-2 Pages
26-27 SUNY Financial-Aid-Resources Flyer.pdfClick to expand-2 Pages
26-27 SUNY Sources-of-Aid.pdfSenior Financial Aid Updates/Reminders:
Senior Financial Aid Updates/Reminders:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Form)
2027-28 FAFSA: (to apply for aid for 7/1/27–6/30/28) : *NOW OPEN!
**Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered for financial aid! Applying early means you'll know your aid eligibility sooner, have time to fix errors, and give colleges the information they need to build your financial aid package.
Parents/Guardians and Students: For more information regarding the FAFSA Application, please refer to the Federal Student Aid Website: FAFSA HOME
Steps you can take to get ready:
Create your FAFSA ID: This is required prior to completing the FAFSA. Go to https://studentaid.gov/help/fsa-id.
Visit HESC's Prepare What you Need Page for more information on documentation needed to the complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA or DREAM ACT APPLICATION WAIVER FORM:
Dear Class of 2027 Students and Parents and Guardians,
The New York State Education Department adopted an amendment to the commissioner's regulations 100.2. This amendment requires school districts to ensure verification from the parent or guardian of a student who is a senior (or from the student where the student is 18 years of age or older or legally emancipated) that the student either:
Completed the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or, if applicable, the Jose Peralta New York State Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act application;
or
Completed a waiver indicating that the parent or guardian understands what the FAFSA or, if applicable, the DREAM Act application are, and has chosen not to file such an application.
If you have chosen NOT to complete the FAFSA or, if applicable, the DREAM Act application, please complete the waiver form linked HERE and return it no later than June 25, 2027 to:
Hardcopy Mail: Email:
April J. Ljumic Maryann Argento
Administrator for School Counseling or argentom@mahopac.org
Mahopac High School
421 Baldwin Place Road
Mahopac, NY 10541
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
April Ljumic
Administrator for School Counseling
845-628-3256 ext.11521
ljumica@mahopac.org
FINANCIAL AID UPDATES:
NYS Scholarships & Grants Opportunities: Please review the complete list of NYS Scholarships & Grants available to students using the link above.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) *Opened: October 1, 2026
**TAP add-on application is at the end of the FAFSA application.
If you are going to a school in NY State (public or private college), and you applied for need-based AID, and your financial aid package indicates a TAP amount, you MUST complete or update your TAP application once you have decided on your intended NY college (to ensure that the TAP information goes to the right college). https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/
NYS STEM Incentive Program (Public NY Colleges)*Opened: October 1, 2026.
Eligibility:
An applicant must be a NYS resident;
NYS Students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY College;
Be enrolled full time at a public college located in NYS (SUNY/CUNY);
Be ranked in the top 10 percent of their High School graduating class at a NYS High School;
Enroll/Be matriculated in an approved undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
Commit to living and working in a STEM occupation in New York State for five years.
There is no income restriction on the STEM Incentive Program.
Award Amount: An annual award up to the annual SUNY tuition charged to NYS residents.
Students must apply for STEM during their senior year of high school. Students who don't meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, like the Senator José Peralta NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path. Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more.
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is August 15, 2026.
To learn more and to apply, visit the HESC New York State STEM Incentive Program website.
Excelsior Program (Public NY Colleges): The NYS Excelsior Scholarship program will open May 2027 for the 2027-28 Academic Year
Eligibility: An applicant must be a resident of NYS; have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less; be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a NYS public (SUNY or CUNY) college.
Award Amount: A recipient may receive up to the resident tuition rate charged by SUNY or CUNY. Scholarship is for tuition only and does not apply to Room and Board.
Click the button above to go to our NYS Scholarships & Grants section in our site .
Important Update: New Application Pathway for NYS Financial Aid:
New York State continues to take meaningful steps to ensure that all students have access to an affordable, high-quality college education, regardless of their family’s immigration or citizenship status.
With a commitment to sensitivity, security, and access, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched a new application pathway for eligible students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who do not want to complete a FAFSA due to concerns related to the privacy of their information, but want to apply for New York State financial aid.
This application offers a clear and secure pathway for impacted students to access many New York State grants and scholarships, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), without requiring them to complete the FAFSA.
While this path provides access to many New York State financial aid programs, it’s important to note that students who apply for state-funded financial aid through this path, will not be eligible for the NYS Excelsior Scholarship or the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) program, both of which require a completed FAFSA as part of their application process. They will also not be eligible for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans, unless they submit a FAFSA.
Updated guidance, eligibility criteria, and FAQs are available on the application information page. We encourage you to review these resources and share them with students and families who may benefit from them.
Path Determination Guide - Learn what each statement means so that students select the right statement and fill out the correct alternate application.
Financial Aid For College Overview
Financial Aid For College Overview
Financial Aid and Scholarships Checklist:
Financial Aid and Scholarships Checklist:
1. Complete the FAFSA in Fall of senior year. For questions you can call the FAFSA help line at: 1-800-4-FED-AID or click the Live Help button on the FAFSA website as you are completing the form online.
2. Complete the CSS Profile if it is required by the college.
3. Check out Financial Aid Resources through NYS HESC.
4. Search Naviance for a listing of local and organization based scholarships.
5. Research merit based scholarships through each college website.
6. Search other scholarship sites such as FastWeb and College Board.
Remember that scholarship searches should be FREE.
Need-Based Aid vs. Merit-Based Aid:
Need-Based Aid vs. Merit-Based Aid:
Need-Based Aid:
Need-Based Aid:
What is Need-based Aid?
Financial aid that comes in the form of grants and loans to cover the cost of college based on your family’s income and ability to afford college.
How do I know if my family qualifies for Need-based Aid?
Complete a Net Price Calculator:
Complete the Net Price Calculator on each school’s website
Or you can complete a general one at: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
Or at: https://myintuition.org/
A Net Price Calculator will help your family determine if you will qualify for Need-based Aid? - AND - it will show you what a typical financial aid package will look like for you at a particular school?
Where does Need-based Aid come from?
The US Government (i.e. Pell Grants, and Government loans)
NY State (i.e. TAP grants and others)
Individual colleges
How do I apply?
FAFSA Application is required by ALL colleges to be considered for need-based aid
The CSS PROFILE application is additionally required by some schools for need-based aid
NY State TAP application is required for students who plan to attend a college located in the state of NY
Look at websites regarding merit-based scholarship programs - some require a separate application and some will automatically consider students
Company Scholarships: check with your parents to see if their workplaces offer one
Merit-Based Aid:
Merit-Based Aid:
What is Merit-based Aid?
Scholarships that are given to a student (most often regardless of income) based on a student’s strength as an applicant or based on their accomplishments. Can be based on grades, athletics, special talents, leadership, etc.
How do I qualify for Merit-based Aid?
Each scholarship program will have different requirements and criteria.
Scholarships can be due at any time - but most applications will be completed during senior year after college applications are complete
Where does Merit-based Aid come from?
Most merit aid comes directly from individual colleges
State/National Scholarships
Local Scholarships
Company Scholarships
How do I apply?
Look at websites regarding merit-based scholarship programs - some require a separate application and some will automatically consider students
Check out Scholarship Search Engines
Check out MHS Senior Awards List when posted January/February of Senior year
Company Scholarships: check with your parents to see if their workplaces offer one
If Financial Aid is a main consideration for college make sure your prospective college list includes SUNY/CUNY options and a number of safety/scholarship schools!
Basic Financial Aid Terms:
Basic Financial Aid Terms:
Need-blind: A school is need-blind with regard to financial aid if they do not look at a student’s financial need when making an admissions decision with regard to that student.
Need-aware : A school is need-aware if they do look at a student’s financial need when making an admissions decision.
HEOP/EOP: Stands for Higher Education Opportunities Program, or Educational Opportunities Program. The funding for both programs is the same, however HEOP refers to private schools in NY State, while EOP refers to public schools in NY State. To be considered for this program students must prove both economic and educational disadvantage. If accepted a student will receive special services and special funding to that institution. A summer “bridge” program is often included to help transition the HEOP/EOP students to life at college. If a school has a HEOP/EOP program a student who meets the economic and educational requirements may apply to schools that might normally be considered reach schools.
iDoc: A part of the CSS Profile, iDoc is a service that collects a family’s financial documents and distributes them to institutions on behalf of the student.
FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly SAR: Student Aid Report): A summary of information provided on FAFSA used in determining student eligibility for Federal Student Aid.
Student Aid Index (formerly EFC)
Scholarship Resources
Scholarship Resources
Find Scholarships For High Schol Seniors
NAVIANCE: Please check Naviance frequently for scholarship opportunities and information!
When in your Naviance account, under the tab “Colleges” find “Scholarships & Money” and click “Scholarship Search.”
For MHS Senior Scholarships & Awards: Our local families, clubs, and organizations want to support you with your post graduate plans. There are plenty of awards/scholarships to apply for. Please take a look at the MHS Senior Awards link above and check out which scholarship opportunities are a fit for you. Application due dates are listed in due date order to help you organize!
The website can be also accessed on our MHS home page under the Menu option and scroll down to Students - Senior Scholarships.
Please see Mrs. DiGregorio (digregoriok@mahopac.org) for any questions.
Check back often for opportunities and application deadlines!
More information to come in February.
FAFSA
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Form)
2027-28 FAFSA: (to apply for aid for 7/1/27–6/30/28) : *NOW OPEN!
**Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered for financial aid! Applying early means you'll know your aid eligibility sooner, have time to fix errors, and give colleges the information they need to build your financial aid package.
Parents/Guardians and Students: For more information regarding the FAFSA Application, please refer to the Federal Student Aid Website: FAFSA HOME
Steps you can take to get ready:
Create your FAFSA ID: This is required prior to completing the FAFSA. Go to https://studentaid.gov/help/fsa-id.
Visit HESC's Prepare What you Need Page for more information on documentation needed to the complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA Basics:
FAFSA Basics:
What is it?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for financial aid, which includes: grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans.
Why fill it out?
The FAFSA is used to determine how much aid you’re eligible for. Think of it this way: FAFSA > Student Aid Index > Financial Need > Financial Aid
When do I fill it out?
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens in December. Some financial aid is determined on a first come, first served basis so start as soon as possible.
How does it work?
Your prospective college will try to meet your financial need through aid made up of funds from federal, state, school, and private sources. This may include loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment.
Steps to File the FAFSA:
Steps to File the FAFSA:
Step 1: Assemble forms needed to complete FAFSA
You’ll need the following to fill out the form:
Student and parent Social Security numbers, Alien Registration numbers, or Tax ID numbers (if not a US citizen)
Driver’s license number (if any)
Student (if applicable) and Parent Prior year tax returns
Student (if applicable) and Parent Prior year W2 forms and other record of money earned
Records of untaxed income, such as child support received, and interest income
Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate; and business and farm assets
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Complete FAFSA on the web: www.fafsa.gov (Remember, the FAFSA is free, do not pay for it! Make sure you use .gov!)
Both STUDENT and PARENT must follow instructions to apply for a Federal Student Aid Identification Number (FSA ID) (For families who have completed the FAFSA for other children, parents must use the same FSA ID) - save this information as you will need it every year!
Make sure to list all colleges that your child is applying to; we recommend adding them in alphabetical order
In order to maximize your amount of aid, fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens in October
Use the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) tool when prompted to import your tax information
Both the parent and student must electronically sign the FAFSA at the end
Once finished, print the FAFSA summary as well as the “Submission Confirmation” page
When you fill out the FAFSA, you will be automatically prompted to apply for TAP if your child is applying to schools in NY With this in mind, complete the TAP Application if you see a link on your FAFSA confirmation page
Step 3: Review your FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly known as SAR)
The FAFSA Submission Summary is proof that your FAFSA was received
Your FAFSA Submission Summary will include your Student Aid Index (formerly known as EFC), which is the amount your family can contribute towards college for the following year
What if I find errors on my FAFSA Submission Summary? Make corrections online at: www.fafsa.gov
What if I don’t receive your FAFSA Submission Summary? Call 1-800-433-3243 (1-800-4-FED-AID)
Students should check their email regularly for additional financial aid requirements. This could include: Income Verification, Instructions to upload documents to iDOC, HEOP/EOP supplements, Non-custodial parent information, FAFSA rejections, etc. Failure to complete additional requirements could result in no financial aid package from a school
FAFSA Tips
FAFSA Tips
Sign the application: Be sure to sign with your FSA ID (your username and password) so your FAFSA will be processed as quickly as possible
Save your FAFSA online if you can’t finish it in one session: Click the “Save” button at the bottom of each step to save
Don’t leave a field blank. If a question does not apply enter “0”
Remember the FAFSA is FREE! If you need help, call the FAFSA Help Desk: 1-800-4-FED-AID
It is important to keep all of the documents you use to fill out the FAFSA in a safe place, in the event you are selected for verification
FAFSA/Financial Aid Workshops, Events, Initiatives, Resources & Supports for completing FAFSA & Other Financial Aid Applications
FAFSA/Financial Aid Workshops, Events, Initiatives, Resources & Supports for completing FAFSA & Other Financial Aid Applications
FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Workshops/Events:
SUNY On-line workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Sessions: Join a SUNY financial Aid workshop. Click the link for event dates/times and to register. SUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications. See all upcoming SUNY FAFSA Completion Workshops; See all SUNY upcoming Financial Aid Info Sessions
CUNY Workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid: Click the link for event dates/times and to register. CUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.
HESC Events: Click the link to browse by topic for event dates/times and to register. HESC offers a wide range of virtual events that can connect students and families with the information, resources, and financial aid experts they need to help them navigate the college application and financial aid process. Please also refer to this FAFSA/TAP Completion Events and HESC Events Calendar for more information on event descriptions, dates, and registration. 👉 View the full list of upcoming HESC events.
There are a number of workshops, innovative training resources, and initiatives available to students and families seeking assistance in completing the FAFSA and other Financial Aid Applications provided by SUNY, CUNY, Independent Colleges across NYS, and HESC. We encourage you to look at these resources and register for workshops for support in completing your FAFSA and other financial Aid applications. Most workshops are virtual:
SUNY On-line workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Sessions: Join a SUNY financial Aid workshop. Click the link for event dates/times and to register. SUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.
SUNY Informational: How to get Financial Aid For College: Please also review this SUNY informational which provides information and steps you can take to support getting as much financial aid as possible.
CUNY Workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Sessions: Click the link for event dates/times and to register. CUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.
CICU: The Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York: The Road to College: Resources to Support FAFSA Completion. Click the link to review CICU’s One Stop Shop: FAFSA Support Page.
(HESC) Higher Education Service Corporation FAFSA Readiness & Guidance: FAFSA Guidance & Resources: HESC offers a wide range of events, resources and support to help you navigate the college application and financial aid process. Please click on the link to access HESC’s FAFSA Readiness & Guidance page which includes FAFSA information, FAFSA events, FAFSA FAQs, FAFSA Video library; Student FAFSA toolkit, and preparing what you need to name a few. Please also refer to this FAFSA/TAP Completion Events and HESC Events Calendar for more information on event descriptions. dates, and registration. 👉 View the full list of upcoming HESC events.
National College Attainment Network’s Better FAFSA resource page.
Applying for Financial Aid with the FAFSA Form
Create and Access Your Studentaid.gov Account
Understanding and Preparing FASFA Form Contributors
Gather Information Needed To Complete FASFA Form
College Financial Aid Comparison Tools
College Financial Aid Comparison Tools
(HESC) Higher Education Services Corporation: Financial Aid Comparison Tool:
Comparing College Award Letters :
HESC has an interactive Financial Aid Award Packages Comparison tool. This tool can help you determine the "bottom line" for each college to which you've applied and received a financial aid award offer. The college financial aid award letter contains important information about the financial aid package being offered.
Students often apply to multiple colleges, so it is essential to review and compare financial aid awards carefully before making a final decision. Award letters typically include the cost of attendance (COA) and the types of financial aid being offered -- usually a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Each college may use its own format and terminology, so it can be challenging to compare “apples to apples.”
Review & Compare financial aid awards carefully!
Click on the NICHE image to the right to go to the NICHE Financial Aid Comparison Tool Website
Niche Launches College Financial Aid Comparison Tool to Help Families Decode and Compare Offers:
Check out the 3/17/26 article: Financial Aid Decoder
SUNY
SUNY
2026 Financial-Aid-for-College.pdfFinancial Aid References/Resources & Supports available from SUNY:
Financial Aid References/Resources & Supports available from SUNY:
How to get Financial Aid For College: Please review this SUNY informational “How to get financial aid for college” providing information and steps you can take to support getting as much financial aid as possible.
Financial Aid Workshops/Sessions: Prospective SUNY students and families are invited to join SUNY for financial aid online workshops. General financial aid sessions will provide information about the cost of attendance, the types of financial aid available and the financial aid application process. Timely walk throughs will focus on steps you can take now to prepare for FAFSA completion.
FAFSA Completion Workshops: Please see the list of on-line event dates with information offered by SUNY to support completing the FAFSA Application. They are hands-on workshops, so be ready to complete your FAFSA during the program!
Click to open flyer in full view-2pages
EOP-2026-27.pdfSUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
For more than 50 years, the State University of New York’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has helped promising students overcome financial and academic barriers to attend a SUNY college, earn a degree, and achieve their life goals. For more information on SUNY's EOP program: https://www.suny.edu/attend/academics/eop/
For EOP Applicants Only: SUNY EOP Completion Workshops: EOP Form Completion events are designed for EOP applicants who have already submitted an application to a SUNY school via ApplySUNY or via the Common Application and are seeking assistance with the completion of their required EOP Financial Information Form.
Applicants can register here: EOP Form Completion
Join an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) information session to learn more about:
EOP benefits including financial assistance and academic support
Eligibility requirements, including income and academic qualifications
The EOP application process
The EOP summer program
NYS Scholarships and Grants
NYS Scholarships and Grants
New York State Scholarship & Grant Opportunities:
👉 View all NYS Grants & Scholarship Opportunities
Please review the complete list of NYS Scholarships & Grants available to students using the link above. This will take you to the HESC website. There are hyperlinks within the master list that will take you to each specific NYS Scholarship & Grant providing general information, application eligibility, deadlines, opportunities to receive notifications, help, resources, links to apply etc. Please take the time to review the list and details therein to see the opportunities available.
NYS Scholarship & Grant Opportunities to look out for:
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) *Anticipated to open: OCTOBER 1, 2026
**TAP add-on application is at the end of the FAFSA application.
If you are going to a school in NY State (public or private college), and you applied for need-based AID, and your financial aid package indicates a TAP amount, you MUST complete or update your TAP application once you have decided on your intended NY college (to ensure that the TAP information goes to the right college). https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/
Excelsior Program (Public NY Colleges): The NYS Excelsior Scholarship program will open May 2027 for the 2027-28 Academic Year
Eligibility: An applicant must be a resident of NYS; have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less; be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a NYS public (SUNY or CUNY) college.
Award Amount: A recipient may receive up to the resident tuition rate charged by SUNY or CUNY. Scholarship is for tuition only and does not apply to Room and Board.
NYS STEM Incentive Program (Public NY Colleges)*Anticipated to open: October, 2026
Eligibility: An applicant must be a NYS resident; NYS students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college; be enrolled full time at a public college located in NYS; be ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class; enroll/be matriculated in an approved undergraduate program leading to a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Commit to living and working in a STEM occupation in NYS for five year.
There is no income restriction on the STEM Incentive Program.
Award Amount: An annual award up to the annual SUNY tuition charged to NYS residents.
Enhanced Tuition Award -ETA (Private NY Colleges - the private equivalent to Excelsior)
Eligibility: An applicant must be a resident of NYS; have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less; be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a participating private colleges located in NYS.
Award Amount: Recipients of Enhanced Tuition Awards will generally receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award and a match from their private college.
Eligibility: The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives undocumented students access to NYS administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education cost.
Award Amount: Varies
Students eligible for NYS financial aid through the NYS DREAM Act can submit their TAP application through the NYS DREAM Act portal.
If Financial Aid is a main consideration for college make sure your prospective college list includes SUNY/CUNY options and a number of safety/scholarship schools!
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
HESC has an unwavering commitment to ensuring New York State students, parents, and academic partners have access to the critical financial aid information, tools, and resources they need to pursue their educational goals. Please refer to HESC webpages, for information including links to NYS financial aid information, programs; FAFSA Guidance, NYS Grants and scholarships, resources, tools, and events.
👉 View the full list of upcoming HESC events.
👉 View all NYS Grants & Scholarship Opportunities
👉Explore all NYS Financial Aid Programs.
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC):
HESC has an unwavering commitment to ensuring New York State students, parents, and academic partners have access to the critical financial aid information, tools, and resources they need to pursue their educational goals.
RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES/ALERTS FROM HESC:
High school students and their parents can sign up to receive text messages from the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation to get connected to the resources they need to prepare for college and apply for financial aid. Text messages include key information about financial aid programs, how to apply, important deadlines, available events to assist students in completing applications, and resources to help put them on the right path toward their college careers.
Sign-up is quick and easy at: HESC Text Messaging Registration. Any questions can be sent to: thepath@hesc.ny.gov.
(HESC) Higher Education Services Corporation: Financial Aid Comparison Tool:
Comparing College Award Letters :
HESC has an interactive Financial Aid Award Packages Comparison tool. This tool can help you determine the "bottom line" for each college to which you've applied and received a financial aid award offer. The college financial aid award letter contains important information about the financial aid package being offered.
Students often apply to multiple colleges, so it is essential to review and compare financial aid awards carefully before making a final decision. Award letters typically include the cost of attendance (COA) and the types of financial aid being offered -- usually a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Each college may use its own format and terminology, so it can be challenging to compare “apples to apples.”
Review & Compare financial aid awards carefully!
HESC Financial Aid Opportunities!
HESC Financial Aid Opportunities!
NYS Scholarships & Grants Opportunities:
Please review the complete list of NYS Scholarships & Grants available to students using the link above. This will take you to the HESC website. There are hyperlinks within the master list that will take you to each specific NYS Scholarship & Grant providing general information, application eligibility, deadlines, opportunities to receive notifications, help, resources, links to apply etc. Please take the time to review the list and details therein to see the opportunities available and applications.
Click the button to the right for more information/links to applications.
Click here for the NYS Scholarships and Grants section with links to scholarships on our Financial Aid for College Page.
TAP & NYS DREAM Act Resources:
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP):
Common TAP Mistakes - Help your students avoid the six most common Tuition Assistance Program mistakes.
How to Create A HESC PIN Account - Students must have an HESC account to complete a TAP application. This document will guide students as they create their HESC Account.
How to Upload a Document - Step-by-step guide on uploading documents required by HESC.
Am I Dependent: Before starting the application, help your students know whether they are dependent or independent.
Citizenship Verification: Students may be asked to verify their citizenship before their application is processed. This document provides a list of documents that can be submitted to verify citizenship status.
How to Add a Missing Signature Page: Outlines where students can find a printable version of a signature page
Income Verification: To verify income, students may be required to produce a Tax Transcript. Details how students and parents can obtain that document.
TAP Completion Checklist: a checklist for students. Make sure you have everything they need before they complete the TAP application.
TAP Quick Tips: Quick tips on ensuring your student completes the TAP or FAFSA applications. These tips will keep your students from making minor mistakes that can cause delays in processing their applications.
DREAM Act Eligibility Guide A step by step guide to help students navigate the DREAM Act Eligibility Application.
NYS DREAM Act Quick Tips - NYS DREAM Act students may need help with their NYS DREAM Act portal. This document provides helpful tips and links for NYS DREAM Act students.
Resources for DREAM Act & Alternate Eligibility Path document, now available on our website.
This reference guide includes links for:
Additional scholarships (not administered by HESC),
Opportunities for internships and fellowships,
Peer groups and community support spaces, and
Know-your-rights information and legal support
Pro Tips for the FAFSA - Updated tips for preparing to complete and submit the FAFSA form.
FAFSA Checklist - A complete list of essential documents and information students will need to complete the FAFSA Application.
FAFSA Quick Tips - Quick Tips to help ensure the FAFSA processes correctly the first time.
Common Studentaid.gov (FSA ID) Account Errors and Fixes - Workarounds to common errors that may delay the creation of a student’s StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account.
Cost of Attendance: A detailed explanation of what expenses make up the total cost of attendance. This will help students understand what costs aid may be applied to.
Dependency Status Questions: Outlines dependency status questions and helps students determine their dependency status before they fill out the FAFSA.
Filing Prep: Help students ensure they have everything they need to complete the FAFSA.
How to Get a StudentAid.Gov Account for Individuals without a Social Security Number: Step-by-step guide on how contributors without a social security number can create a studentaid.gov account to contribute to a FAFSA.
Important Documents: A list of every document a student may need to complete the FAFSA, including identification and income documents.
Income Verification: To verify income, students may be required to produce a Tax Transcript. This document details how students and parents can obtain that document.
Key Terms: A glossary of key terms you must know to help students better understand their FAFSA application.
Overview: A glossary of key terms you must know to help students better understand their FAFSA application.
Parent Contributor: Help students determine which parents should be a contributor on their FAFSA. This parent will need their own studentaid.gov account when completing the FAFSA.
Understanding Financial Aid: An overview of what students should be doing before, during, and after college regarding financial aid.
Important Update: New Application Pathway for NYS Financial Aid:
New York State continues to take meaningful steps to ensure that all students have access to an affordable, high-quality college education, regardless of their family’s immigration or citizenship status.
With a commitment to sensitivity, security, and access, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched a new application pathway for eligible students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who do not want to complete a FAFSA due to concerns related to the privacy of their information, but want to apply for New York State financial aid.
This application offers a clear and secure pathway for impacted students to access many New York State grants and scholarships, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), without requiring them to complete the FAFSA.
While this path provides access to many New York State financial aid programs, it’s important to note that students who apply for state-funded financial aid through this path, will not be eligible for the NYS Excelsior Scholarship or the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) program, both of which require a completed FAFSA as part of their application process. They will also not be eligible for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans, unless they submit a FAFSA.
Updated guidance, eligibility criteria, and FAQs are available on the application information page. We encourage you to review these resources and share them with students and families who may benefit from them.
Path Determination Guide - Learn what each statement means so that students select the right statement and fill out the correct alternate application.
Resources for DREAM Act & Alternate Eligibility Path document, now available on our website.
This reference guide includes links for:
Additional scholarships (not administered by HESC),
Opportunities for internships and fellowships,
Peer groups and community support spaces, and
Know-your-rights information and legal support
COLLEGE BOARD -College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
COLLEGE BOARD -College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
CSS Profile: College Scholarship Service Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Please complete this CSS Profile if the college(s) you are applying to requires it.
WHAT is the CSS/PROFILE? The CSS/PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by SOME colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. If parents are divorced, some colleges will also require the noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE? Y ou should file the PROFILE as soon as possible after October 1st. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges.
WHO requires the PROFILE? The most up-to-date list of colleges that require the profile is located at: www.css.collegeboard.org
HOW do I file the PROFILE? You file the PROFILE online at: www.css.collegeboard.org. Students will use their existing College Board account to complete the PROFILE. The PROFILE will need to be filled out IN ADDITION to the FAFSA for schools that require the PROFILE.
DOES the PROFILE charge a fee? Yes, there is a small fee for the initial application and an additional fee for each college college or program report. However, the PROFILE is free for students who received a fee waiver for the SATs.
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