WELCOME TO THE NCSTEP WEBPAGE!
Click on the buttons above to create an FSA ID, log into your FAFSA account and NYS TAP.
Read over this information so you have a better understanding of federal student aid.
Remember, the money that you receive from FAFSA are federal student loans meaning you're required to pay that money back (plus interest).
Will you need a loan to attend college? A majority of students take out federal student loans in order to pay for the cost of attending college.
Do you know the difference between unsubsidized loans and subsidized loans? Read through this helpful guide to find out. Know what to expect from federal loans before accepting them and how to prepare paying that money back when the time comes.
TIP: If you have unsubsidized loans, try to pay the interest while in college, if possible. Your future self will thank you!
Check out these helpful websites for more information on financial aid.
Take a moment to read over the steps involved for the FAFSA process.
This diagram shows the proper steps for completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) Application.
The FSA ID will be your login information for the FAFSA. It is important to remember that your FSA ID is considered your electronic signature for this application. Do not share your FSA ID.
Your parent will need his or her own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form electronically. If your parent has more than one child attending college, he or she can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications.
Use this helpful worksheet to keep track of your FSA ID. This information is confidential and should not be shared with others. Keep this worksheet in a safe place.
Read this quick memo on how to prevent identity theft when applying for federal student aid.
Important information on how to avoid financial aid fraud.
Please make sure to read this article and read it carefully! These are common myths associated with FAFSA and the financial aid process but the correct way to complete certain forms/provide necessary information is explained.
This is another very important source of information that will assist you in the filling out of your FAFSA. Highly recommend you read the information and keep a copy of this document while you're completing the form!
Double check to see if you qualify as dependent or independent for the FAFSA.
Some students may be uncertain about who they should consider their "parent" on the FAFSA form. Click the title to read about who is considered your parent while completing the FAFSA and refer to the below diagram.
Information for students who are homeless, at risk of being homeless or considered to be an "unaccompanied" youth.
Read through these common FAFSA errors to avoid making the same mistakes!
Take a look at this 2021-2022 FAFSA form template to get a better idea of what you will be completing for financial aid. DO NOT submit this form. It is just to be used as an example. You will submit your actual 2021-2022 FAFSA online at fafsa.gov.
This worksheet is another example of what to expect on your FAFSA application. It shows you what information you'll need beforehand so you're not scrambling to find the information while working on your actual 2021-2022 FAFSA form.
EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution and it's a formula used to determine how much federal student aid a student is eligible for.
This document is an example of what you will receive via email after submitting your completed FAFSA application. Keep a copy of this report for your records.
New York State TAP is a form of state financial aid for New York residents. Unlike federal student aid, if you're awarded aid through TAP, you do not have to pay it back because it's grant money. A large portion of students receive aid from federal student loans and TAP.
The easiest way to apply for TAP is through your FAFSA. Follow this link for instructions on how to apply.
Grants and scholarships do not have to be paid back. Loans do have to be paid back.
Learn about the financial aid resources available to Native American students.
If your family has significant changes to their financial situation, find out how to report these changes on your FAFSA.