The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid.  Fill it out as soon as you can, out even if you haven't applied to any colleges yet!

Was your family’s 2019 New York State net taxable income $80,000 or less? You may also be eligible for the 2021-22 NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Learn more by visiting the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html.  

Questions can be directed to PreCollegeServices@hesc.ny.gov. 

Financial aid to pay for college can come from federal, state or private sources. For a good overview of financial aid, click in the gray box below to see the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation presentation:

  Student Financial Aid - 
What High School Seniors & Parents Should Know

 1. Grants - financial aid that in most cases does not have to be repaid
      2. Loans - borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest
      3. Work Study - a program that helps you earn money to pay for school

You may be eligible for financial aid from New York State, even if you don't qualify for federal financial aid. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible NYS residents pay tuition at approved schools in NYS. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. The TAP application process begins with the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) application. 

Many colleges, universities and career schools offer aid from their own funds. Check with the school's financial aid office to see what opportunities may be available. Also, there are many scholarship opportunities available from non-profit or private organizations.

SUNY is offering online information sessions including one on financial aid. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.  For more information and to register, click here or call 1-800-342-3811.

Yes!  Some students don't file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because they believe they do not qualify because their parents make too much money. This is a costly misconception! 

"Everyone should fill out the FAFSA, because everyone is eligible for some form of financial aid," said Abigail Seldin, co-founder of College Abacus, a free college cost comparison tool.  She says most financial aid in the U.S. is awarded by universities rather than the government, and you usually can't qualify for need-based or merit-based aid without a FAFSA on file. Many colleges offer merit-based aid that doesn't even consider financial need; it's based on achievements such as grades, SAT scores, or athletics.  

In other words, the amount of money your parents make doesn't matter for this type of aid, but you can't get it if you don't fill out the form. Click the image below to get started on your FAFSA application.

Click the image above to begin your FAFSA application

WP Financial Aid Presentation by BU Counselor

Apply for Financial Aid - START HERE

Consumer Protection

FAFSA Do's & Don'ts

Federal Student Aid

NYS Tuition Assistance FAQ's

CSS Profile

NYS Higher Ed. Services Corp.