2027-28 Student Aid Guide
The newest FAFSA is now open! Completing it early helps you access federal, state, and institutional aid, including grants, scholarships, and federal loans. Follow these six steps to lower your college costs. If you live in New York, you can schedule a free one-on-one virtual session with an EDCAP counselor for personalized help.
Unlocking federal and state student aid to make college more affordable takes six easy steps:
- Create your StudentAid.gov Account
- Complete the FAFSA
- Apply for State Aid
- Search and Apply for Scholarships
- Evaluate and Compare Financial Aid Award Letters
- Ask Colleges for More Aid
Step 1: Create Your StudentAid.gov Account
Establish your StudentAid.gov account (commonly referred to as an FSA ID) to access key resources and track your federal financial aid throughout your academic journey.
You and your parent (if applicable) each need your own StudentAid.gov account to sign and submit the FAFSA.
- Visit studentaid.gov and click on “Create Account.”
- Provide Personal Information:
- Email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number
- Tip: You and your parent must each have a separate email account. Avoid using a high school email account.
- Verify Your Contact Information: Enter the validation codes sent to your mobile number or email.
- Save Your Information: Save your login details and backup codes in a secure place.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Submit the FAFSA as early as possible to determine your eligibility for federal funds, including Pell Grants, federal loans, and Federal Work-Study. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own grants and scholarships, so completing it early can open the door to additional aid and make your education more affordable.
The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal financial aid, which can significantly reduce your college expenses. Many scholarships, state aid programs, and institutions also rely on your FAFSA results when deciding on additional aid.
To maximize your financial aid, submit your FAFSA as early as possible. The application is now open for the 2027-28 academic year, and some forms of aid are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Be mindful of both federal and state deadlines to ensure you qualify for the maximum amount available.
- Create a StudentAid.gov account for you and your parent (if applicable).
- Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
Once the application is submitted, you’ll receive your FAFSA Submission Summary. Review it carefully – this report includes your Student Aid Index (SAI), which colleges use to determine your aid. Make corrections if needed and watch for updates from schools.
There are many guides from trusted sources. Here are a few you can explore:
Step 3: Apply for State Aid
In addition to federal aid, many states offer financial assistance to help students cover educational costs. By applying for state-specific grants, scholarships, and loans, you can maximize your funding options and potentially reduce the need for other forms of borrowing.
Research State Programs: Visit your state’s higher education website to explore available financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
Meet Deadlines: State aid deadlines are often earlier than federal deadlines, so it’s crucial to apply on time. Some states operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving aid.
Complete Additional Applications: Some state programs may require a separate application beyond the FAFSA, such as a state aid application or specific scholarship forms.
Once you apply, keep an eye out for any communication from your state’s financial aid office or your chosen schools regarding your state aid status.
New York State offers several financial aid programs designed to make college more affordable for residents. Key programs include:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides grants to eligible New York residents attending in-state colleges, based on financial need. TAP awards can cover a portion of tuition costs, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To see which schools accept TAP, visit HESC’s TAP School Codes webpage.
- Excelsior Scholarship: Allows eligible students to attend SUNY and CUNY schools tuition-free. Applicants must meet specific residency and income requirements and commit to living and working in New York after graduation.
- Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA): For students attending private colleges in New York, ETAs provide up to $6,000 in financial assistance, combining state awards with contributions from participating institutions.
- Other Programs: New York also offers additional support for part-time students, military veterans, and specific fields of study, including STEM and teaching.
To apply for New York State aid, complete the FAFSA and then submit the New York State Aid Application through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website at hesc.ny.gov.
The New York State DREAM Act grants access to state financial aid for undocumented students and others previously ineligible due to immigration status. Eligible students can apply for key programs, including:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Grants to help cover tuition.
- Excelsior Scholarship: Tuition-free education at SUNY and CUNY schools.
- Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA): Financial aid for students attending private New York colleges.
- Other State Scholarships and Grants: Additional awards based on specific criteria, such as career path and academic achievements.
Eligibility Requirements
Students generally qualify if they:
- Graduated from a New York high school or earned a state equivalency diploma.
- Have lived in New York State for at least one year prior to applying.
- Are ineligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status.
How to Apply
Apply through the NYS DREAM Act application on the HESC website. The process is secure and confidential, and HESC offers resources to guide you.
The Alternate Eligibility Pathway allows U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who prefer not to complete the FAFSA for privacy reasons to access New York State financial aid. Eligible students may qualify for New York State programs, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state scholarships.
Students cannot receive the following through this pathway:
- Excelsior Scholarship
- Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA)
- Any federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, or federal student loans.
How to Apply
Apply through the Alternate Eligibility Pathway application on the HESC website.
Explore whether the Alternate Eligibility Pathway is the right fit for you by using HESC’s pathway prescreening tool.
- EDCAP’s Scholarship Guide
- NYS Grants & Scholarships – Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC)
- How to Apply for TAP and Other NYS Student Financial Aid (English)
- How to Apply For TAP and Other NYS Student Financial Aid (Spanish & Other Languages)
- Excelsior Scholarship
- NYS Dream Act for Undocumented Students – HESC
Step 4: Search and Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are free money for college. Every dollar you earn reduces what you may need to borrow. Applying widely is key.
Students can find local scholarships through:
- High schools
- Local businesses
- Community organizations
- Religious or cultural groups
- Tailor your essays to reflect the scholarship’s mission or values.
- Proofread carefully and ask someone you trust to review your application.
- Follow all instructions – missing a step can disqualify you.
- Avoid scams: you should never pay to apply.
- Check your email regularly for updates or requests for more information.
Step 5: Evaluate and Compare Your Award Letters
When you receive financial aid offers from schools, review each award letter to understand the breakdown of loans, grants, scholarships, and any out-of-pocket costs. Comparing these details helps you make an informed decision by identifying which schools provide the best financial fit for your needs.
Evaluate the expected charges and financial aid at each school by reviewing:
- Total Cost of Attendance: Tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other expenses
- Net Cost: Total cost minus grants, scholarships, family contributions, and federal loans
- Long‑Term Borrowing Costs: Use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator to estimate the lifetime cost of any loans you may need to take
Understanding these details helps you make an informed, confident decision about which college is the most affordable option for you.
Step 6: Ask Colleges for More Aid
Many colleges will review your financial aid packages if your circumstances have changed or if you receive a stronger offer from another school. Reaching out can make a real difference, especially when you clearly explain your situation.
Schools commonly adjust aid packages if the student has:
- A strong commitment to attending if their aid improves.
- A change in family finances.
- A better financial aid offer from another college.
- Unexpected expenses, such as medical or housing costs.
When contacting a financial aid office, consider asking:
- Can my financial aid offer be reconsidered based on my situation or new information?
- Is there a process to appeal my award or submit additional documentation?
- Are there other scholarships or grants I can apply for through the college?
