Financial Aid

Prepare for the Financial Aid application process

Organize and gather your family financial documents with your guardian.

Please refer to list for more information about the financial documents you will need.

To start the FAFSA, the student and guardian must obtain a FAFSA ID. Instructions here.

Create an FSA ID for the student.

Create an FSA ID for a parent (or make sure you have the user name & password for an existing account)
If you have applied for financial aid as a guardian or have another child receiving financial aid, you will be using the same FAFSA ID to log in.

Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA form

To apply for financial aid families must first complete the FAFSA . It is a free application and everyone is encouraged to apply. The FAFSA is the first financial aid application you need to complete.

The FAFSA opens in December. College deadline for receipt of the FAFSA are usually aligned with the deadline for applications (i.e. if you have a November 1st deadline to apply, you should complete financial aid application by November 1st as well)

Information your guardian(s) and you enter into this online application allows colleges to determine your financial need. This application requires information from your tax return.

Watch this video for a slide-by-slide demonstration of completing the FAFSA Application!

MELS College office will be holding virtual FAFSA workshops. Be on the lookout for emails!

Step 2: Complete the TAP

After submitting the FAFSA, you will have a chance to complete the TAP which determines if you are eligible for state grants. These New York state grants will be included in your financial aid package should you be financially eligible for TAP and choose to stay in New York State to attend college.

The TAP application is free and can be accessed here. There are also slides to guide you through completing TAP. You must apply for TAP after you complete your FAFSA.

Learn more about TAP eligibility here.

TAP awards range from $500 to $5,165 per year. The award amount is determined by:

Academic year in which first payment of TAP or any state award is received
Type of postsecondary institution and the tuition charge
Combined family NYS taxable income, Federal, State or local pension income and private pension and annuity income, if applicable
Financial status (dependent or independent)
Other family members enrolled in college

Step 3: Determine if your schools require the CSS Profile and if so, complete it.

If you are applying for financial aid and private colleges and universities, you may be asked to complete the CSS profile to provide information that supplements what is in your FAFSA application.

If you have created a College Board account, you will be able to access the CSS profile using that log-in.
For an overview of the process for completing the CSS profile, select your topic of interest from these videos.
The list of colleges that request its applicants seeking financial aid complete the CSS Profile is here.
The fee for the initial application is $25. Additional reports are $16. For some students, it is free if they use a fee waiver. Check to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver here.
FAQ for additional fee waiver information here.

You will still need to complete the FAFSA even if you are asked to complete the CSS Profile. If you are applying to schools in New York State, you will also be applying for TAP.

After you submit the CSS Profile, you may have to submit the required documents, either through the IDOC or directly to the financial aid office at the institution.

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