College is expensive, but most students pay far less than the sticker price. Here's exactly how to apply for every type of aid available to you, including programs specific to New York.
Financial aid comes from three main sources: the federal government, New York State, and your individual schools. You need to apply to all three separately. Start early, missing a deadline can cost you thousands.
Many families assume they earn too much for aid and never apply. Don't make that mistake. Even middle-income families often receive grants, merit awards, and work-study. Some of the best institutional aid at private schools goes to families earning $100k-$200k.
The FAFSA is the foundation of all financial aid. It unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study, and most states and colleges also use it to determine their own aid. File it as early as possible after it opens.
Many private colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to award their own institutional aid. It collects more detailed financial information and often results in more aid from the school itself.
Some colleges have their own additional financial aid forms on top of the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Always check each school's financial aid website for any extra requirements.
If you're applying Early Decision or Early Action, many schools require your financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile) to be submitted by the same date as your admission application, sometimes as early as November 1. Don't assume you have until regular decision deadlines.
New York State offers two major grant programs specifically for NY residents attending NY colleges. These are on top of federal aid, not instead of it.
A state grant for NY residents attending eligible NY colleges. Unlike loans, TAP money does not need to be repaid.
Covers tuition at SUNY and CUNY for qualifying NY residents. Combined with TAP, it can bring tuition close to zero.
If you receive the Excelsior Scholarship and leave New York State after graduating, your award converts to a loan you'll need to repay. Make sure you understand this before depending on it.
When colleges accept you, they send a financial aid award letter showing what they're offering. The numbers can look confusing, and some schools intentionally make them hard to compare. Here's what each piece means.
To find what you'll actually pay (your "net price"), subtract only the free money:
Total Cost of Attendance
− Grants & Scholarships (free money only)
= Your Actual Net Price
A school that costs $75,000/year but offers $55,000 in grants costs you $20,000. A school that costs $30,000/year with $5,000 in aid costs you $25,000. The more expensive school is actually cheaper. Always run the math before deciding.
If a school's award letter doesn't meet your need, or if a competing school offered more, you can appeal. Contact the financial aid office, explain your situation, and ask if there's more aid available. This works more often than students realize, especially at schools where they really want you.
Use these tools to estimate costs and compare schools before you apply, and before you commit to anything.
Every college is required to have one on their website. Enter your family's financial info and get an estimated cost specific to you, before you apply.
Find any school's calculator ↗Answer 6 quick questions and get early cost estimates from dozens of colleges. Great for quickly comparing your options side-by-side.
myintuition.org ↗Estimates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) before you fill out the FAFSA, helpful for planning ahead.
studentaid.gov ↗The Department of Education's tool for comparing colleges by cost, graduation rates, salary after graduation, and more.
collegescorecard.ed.gov ↗Free financial literacy resources for students, budgeting, managing aid, understanding loans, and planning for college costs.
cashcourse.org ↗New York's Higher Education Services Corporation, the place to apply for and manage TAP, Excelsior, and other NY state grants.
hesc.ny.gov ↗Have a question? These are the official help lines, free to call.
1-800-4-FED-AID, for FAFSA help, FSA ID issues, and federal loan questions
NY Higher Education Services Corporation, for TAP, Excelsior, and NY state grant questions
College Board support for CSS Profile questions and fee waiver requests
Grants and scholarships can reduce your costs even further. See our expanded scholarship guide, organized by type, identity, and interest.