Relevant to: Staff, Faculty, Student

Introduction

This is a brief explanation on how to apply for Federal and State grants, scholarships, and loans (see related link to How to Apply for Scholarships at the bottom of this article). These applications are free of charge and easy to process. It is suggested that you apply at least two months prior to the term in which you wish to start. The processing time of applications in the Office of Financial Aid will vary, depending largely on the time within the aid year in which you applied.

Federal and State Grants:

•         The FAFSA is available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens. Complete an application at studentaid.gov either as a student who is new to the FAFSA process, or a returning user.
•         Once you have created or entered your FSA ID, you will then be able to log-in and complete the appropriate year's FAFSA application. For example, 2024-2025 FAFSA will determine aid for the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025.
•         In order for your FAFSA application to be sent to SUNY Empire State University, you will need to provide our school code, 010286, on your FAFSA under the "school" tab.
•         When finishing the FAFSA, applicants who are NYS residents will have the option to link their FAFSA to HESC in order to complete a NYS Tuition Assistance (TAP) application. Students who do not link from the FAFSA website can apply directly for TAP on HESC. (Please Note: The ability to transfer information from the FAFSA form directly into a state aid application will return for the 2025–26 application cycle. For the 2024–25 cycle, students who are legal residents of NY, and who were previously eligible to transfer their FAFSA information directly into their state aid application, will be directed to HESC to complete their state applications separately.)
•         Complete the New York State TAP application. Be sure to include the appropriate school code (0913 for the Bachelors level or 0916 for the Associates level) and your SUNY Empire student ID# on the application. 
•         Once the Office of Financial Aid receives these applications, you will receive an email advising you to view your financial aid award, application status, etc by logging in to the student portal.
•         Final determination of TAP awards is a result of the student's annual application and funding to students accounts within TouchNet portal are dependent on the NYS budget.
•         NYS residents are encouraged to review all other NYS Scholarship and awards programs, such as the Excelsior Scholarship, Dream Act, and Veterans Tuition Awards listed to HESC's quick guide.

Aid for Part-time Study:

•         Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) is a New York State grant program for matriculated undergraduate students attending school for 3-11 credits per term; graduate students and non-matriculated students are not eligible. 
•         You can access the application through the APTS link on the Financial Aid webpage.
•         The funding is first-come, first-serve. Applying for all terms (Summer, Fall, and Spring), even if you are unsure of your future enrollment, will maximize the annual award eligibility.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans for Undergraduates/Graduates (FAFSA must be on file).

•         If you are a first time borrower, you must Complete the online Direct Loan Entrance Counseling & Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) for Subsidized / Unsubsidized Loans.
•         Be sure to select SUNY Empire State University under the School Information section for notification purposes. Student files in the Self Service Banner are updated on a weekly basis.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students (FAFSA must be on file).

•         Apply through DL Grad PLUS Request Process link.
•         If approved and you are a first time Grad PLUS borrower, you must complete the PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents (Student FAFSA must be on file).

•     FAFSA determines financial aid dependency status. If deemed a dependent student, the PLUS Loan option is a credit based option for parents who wish to help pay for educational expenses.
•     Parent borrower will apply through the Parent PLUS Request Process link using their parental FSA ID.
•     If approved and a first time borrower, parent must complete the PLUS MPN for Parents.

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Related:

Apply for Scholarships

Apply for NYS APTS Grant

View Your Outstanding Financial Aid Requirements