Step 1 – Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
Step 3 – Complete the TAP/NYS Student Aid Payment Application
Step 4 – Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship (first-time Excelsior applicants only)
Step 5 – Review Financial Aid Eligibility Notification
Tips and General Eligibility Criteria
Step 1 – Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
The FSA ID is used to access several websites for Federal Student Aid and acts as an electronic signature. First-time filers, and at least one parent in the household for dependent students, should create an FSA ID. Create an account at StudentAid.gov. The FSA ID is confidential and should not be shared with anyone.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov. Remember to include SUNY New Paltz as one of your school selections (Federal Code 002846). After completion of the FAFSA, a confirmation email from FAFSA will be sent so you can review the results and make any changes if needed. Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243 with questions regarding the FAFSA.
Step 3 –Complete the TAP/NYS Student Aid Payment Application
New York State residents have the opportunity to apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). After completing the FAFSA, select the link to the state aid application on the FAFSA Confirmation page. If you miss this link, complete the TAP application directly through Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at www.hesc.ny.gov. The SUNY New Paltz School Code is 0925. Contact HESC at 888-697-4372 with questions regarding NYS grants and scholarships.
Step 4 –Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship (first-time Excelsior applicants only)
New York State residents can learn more about this scholarship opportunity including program requirements, application deadlines, and guidelines for maintaining this scholarship at www.hesc.ny.gov/Excelsior.
The Excelsior Scholarship application typically becomes available for new applicants in mid-spring for the fall semester. The best way to keep informed about application availability and deadlines is to sign up for email alerts on the HESC website.
Step 5 - Review Financial Aid Eligibility Notification
The Office of Student Financial Services will begin notifying prospective students of their estimated financial aid eligibility mid-February. Students with a completed FAFSA application, with all requested documentation submitted and processed, will begin receiving their actual Financial Aid Packages by email after the deposit deadline in early May. Financial Aid can be accepted/declined on the student’s my.newpaltz.edu account.
Students and/or parents planning to apply for Federal Direct Loans will need to complete applicable loan requirements at StudentAid.gov before a loan can disburse.
Students will be notified via their New Paltz email account if they need to submit additional documents before financial aid determination can be made.
- Apply for financial aid early.
- Be sure to file the correct FAFSA for the correct academic year.
- Contact a Financial Aid Administrator if you have unusual circumstances.
- Check your New Paltz email account – all important communications are emailed there.
- Organize your financial aid materials. Remember you will need to use the FSA ID in subsequent years.
- Keep your local and permanent address up-to-date on your my.newpaltz.edu account.
- Eligibility for federal aid is determined by the results of the submitted FAFSA.
General Eligibility Criteria:
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Basic requirements for Title lV aid:
o Be enrolled at least half-time (except for Pell in some cases)
o Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
o Have a valid social security number
o Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
o Not be in default of any loan or owe repayment on a Federal Grant
o Demonstrate financial need (if applicable)
o Have a high school diploma or equivalent
o Be accepted into a degree granting or approved certificate program
