Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Financial Aid

Before applying for federal student aid, you must apply for an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification).  An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. It gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and serves as your legal signature. If you do not already have one, create a FSA ID.STEP 1: Submit the FAFSA

Filing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in the financial aid process. The data submitted in the application determines your eligibility for all of the federal student aid programs, including government loans, and many state and institutional programs as well.  It is best to apply early!  The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and can be completed at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid. The federal school code for SUNY Empire State University is 010286.  Make sure to list that code so we receive your results.

If you need assistance while completing your FAFSA, you there are several options for you.  You may use the federal virtual assistant on the FAFSA site for on-demand answers to your questions, or you may visit the FAFSA Help Center.  If you need to speak to a representative, you may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.  

Register for one of SUNY's FAFSA Completion events for a hands-on workshop to get your FAFSA submitted for 2024-2025 if you have not already done so!

STEP 2: Apply for New York State TAP

(Students who are not residents of New York, please skip to STEP 4) 

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant is available for undergraduate students meeting residence, income, academic or other requirements, as established by New York state law. As a result of completing the FAFSA, your information will be forwarded to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Electronic FAFSA applicants who meet New York state residency requirements and who have listed a New York state college may link to the HESC website to complete the NYS Student Aid Payment Application. The school code for SUNY Empire State University is 0913 for students in a bachelor degree program and the code is 0916 for students in an associate degree program.  Make sure to list that appropriate code so we receive your results. 

View more information and how to apply for other NYS grants and scholarships available through HESC.  

STEP 3: Submit the Aid for Part-Time Study Application 

(Students who are not residents of New York, please skip to STEP 4) 

Undergraduate students meeting New York residence, income, academic or other requirements, as established by state law, may qualify for the Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) grant if they are attending 3-11 credits per semester. Students must complete the APTS application and submit a signed copy of their – and spouse’s if married, parent(s) if dependent New York state income tax return. Link to view the application instructions and complete the APTS application. Funding is limited; completed applications and tax information received by April 1 for the upcoming school year will be given priority consideration. 

STEP 4: Apply for Institutional Scholarships

View and apply for SUNY Empire State University institutional scholarships, funded by the University Foundation.

STEP 5: Are you looking to work for extra cash? 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded, need-based financial aid program that allows students with financial need to earn FWS funds through employment with authorized FWS employers. Federal work-study is considered employment and the income earned is taxable.

To be considered for FWS, undergraduate and graduate students must be matriculated in a degree-granting program, enrolled at least half time (minimum of 6 credits for undergraduate students; 5 credits for graduate students) and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined for financial aid.

View our open positions and contact Work.Study@sunyempire.edu if you are interested.

STEP 6: Stay on top of your information!

Once you have submitted your FAFSA and it has been processed by the FAFSA Processing System, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary directly from them.  Shortly after that, they will also send your results to the institution(s) you listed on your FAFSA.  We will begin communicating with you once we have the results.  Please check your university email regularly as we will send important updates regarding your results, if our office needs anything else in order to determine your eligibility, your award notification and any other messages or instructions related to your financial aid. Students should regularly visit Self-Service Banner for important updates.

Please note that the Financial Aid office operates under an active confirmation process for student loans. This means that federal direct student loans will automatically be awarded to any eligible student.  You will be required to accept or decline your student loans. You must accept your loans in order for your loans to apply to your balance within two to three business days.  Aid is only activated if and when you enroll. 

STEP 7: Review your bill once registered

Once you have completed the registration process, review your student account statement on MySUNYEmpire (login required) and verify that your payment method(s) is/are in place. You are responsible for your charges should your financial aid (including loans) be less than the amount deferred or be cancelled for any reason.