Financial Aid

Financial aid helps make college affordable. Even if you think your family earns too much, you should still apply—many schools offer scholarships and grants based on need.

Key Financial Aid Applications:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
1. Opens October 1, 2025
2. Required for federal and state aid (grants, loans, work-study)
3. Watch this video for a step-by-step guide
CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service)
1. Check deadlines for each school
2. Used by some colleges to award their own scholarships
3. Free for families earning under $100K
Institutional Aid
1. Some schools have their own forms—check their websites

What You’ll Need to Apply

Your & your parents’ Social Security Numbers (SSN) and birthdates
Parents’ 2024 tax returns (or W-2s if taxes weren’t filed)
Parent marriage/divorce dates (if applicable)

*Early Decision/Early Action Applicants*

Many Schools require financial aid applications by the same deadline as your admission application. Check each college’s website!

New York State-Specific Aid

TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) Grant: Apply through FAFSA if attending a NY college
Excelsior Scholarship: covers tuition at SUNY/CUNY for families earning under 125K (opens Spring 2026)

Helpful Tools

Net Price Calculator (on college websites): Estimates what you’ll actually pay after aid
MyIntuition: Compares costs across schools

Need Help?

FAFSA Hotline: 1-800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243)
NYS Aid: 1-888-697-4372
CSS Profile: 305-829-9793

*Create your FSA ID (for FAFSA) early—it takes time to process!