Steps to College Financial Aid

Financial Aid estimators are available!

Net Price Calculator:

1. Check out the Net Price Calculator for an early estimate of the financial aid for which you might qualify.  This is an estimate only for planning purposes - not an application for financial aid. 

2. All colleges must have a Net Price Calculator available to parents/students on their website.  Click here to check out the calculator for any SUNY college or university.

Estimate federal student aid:

1. The FAFSA 4Caster (link is on the left) will provide you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.

2. If you complete this process, it allows you to transfer all of your FAFSA4caster data to the FAFSA on the Web once you are ready to apply for aid.

3. Through this process you have the option of applying for your Federal Student Aid PIN.

Note: If attending college in fall 2012, make sure you are filing the 2012-2013 FAFSA application, NOT the 2011-2012 FAFSA.  The 2012-2013 FAFSA worksheet will not be available until late December / early January.

1. Senior and ONE parent should file for a PIN number. A PIN number is required to file the FAFSA electronically.  Click on PIN button to the left.

2. Attend Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library.

3. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1, 2012.  Keep close track of financial aid deadlines!  You can lose out by not completing forms on time.

4.  Look at college websites for specific financial aid forms or campus scholarships.  Some colleges have separate financial aid forms and scholarship applications.

5. Attend SUNY Statewide Financial Aid Day - Go to www.suny.edu/studentevents and follow the link to Statewide Financial Aid Workshops.  Financial Aid professionals will assist students and parents in filling out the FAFSA and TAP applications.