College Information

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

For help with filling out the FAFSA.

The following steps will provide you with information on how to apply for federal and New York State financial aid:

  1. Collect Documents    Parents’ and your income tax returns, Social Security numbers, W-2 form(s), and other records of income and assets. Tax information can be estimated and corrected later if a tax return has not yet been completed.

    • Get free information and assistance from school counselor, the Financial Aid Office at the college you plan to attend the U.S. Department of Education or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

  2. Get An FSA ID

  3. Complete The FAFSA

  4. TAP - after you finish your FAFSA, New York State residents should also complete the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

  5. Receive A Student Aid Report (SAR) - after completing your FAFSA. SAR shows the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  6. Verify Your Data

  7. Receive The Award Notification

In order to receive an award from individual colleges, each college name/code must be listed on the student's FAFSA application.