Types of Financial Aid
Grants are funds, often awarded by the college or universities, that do not need to be paid back. Students do not need to complete an application for grant monies. Federal and state grants, such as Pell and TAP, are also available.
Work Study is a federal program that gives students financial assistance through campus employment.
Loans are a form of financial aid that must be paid back after graduation.
Applying for Financial Aid
- FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be filed by all Year 2 students applying for financial aid. The FAFSA can be filed as early as October 1st of Year 2. Through this form, students can qualify for up to approximately $6,000 in the federal Pell grant and up to $5,500 in a federal stafford loan.
- TAP (for New York State schools only): This form allows applicants to be eligible for up to approximately $5,000 to attend a college in the state of New York.
- CCS – The CSS is an additional financial aid form that is required by many private colleges. The form must be filed in addition to the FAFSA. It can be filed as early as October. To find out if a particular school requires the CSS, please check with the individual college.
- Scholarships – Many colleges award merit scholarships that do not require separate applications. There are also scholarships available from outside sources.
