Financial Aid

The Financial Aid process can be confusing but The Counseling Office is here to help! The State and Federal Governments have made the process easier for parents and students to apply for and access their student aid for higher education purposes. 

The FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the application that all students seeking higher education should complete in order to receive Federal Student Aid (Federal Grants and Student Loans). Apply early! The FAFSA opens October 1, 2020, and the priority deadline is March 1st.

  • Start by going to Student aID to learn about the Financial Aid Process

  • Once ready, click APPLY FOR AID to start your FAFSA Application

NYS TAP stands for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program which is State Financial Aid. Students should complete this application for additional State funding towards higher education. Apply early! The TAP opens October 1, 2020, and the priority deadline is March 1st.

  • Start by going to HESC to learn more about the TAP process

  • Follow the instructions to Apply for TAP through the FAFSA

Excelsior Scholarship- this is the scholarship application from NYS that helps students cover the costs of tuition at any SUNY or CUNY College or University. You are required to complete both the FAFSA and TAP Applications prior to scholarship consideration. This application is usually available in the spring!

  • Start by going to HESC-Excelsior to learn more about the Excelsior Scholarship

  • Complete the FAFSA and TAP Applications

  • Apply for Excelsior Scholarship, if interested!

Financial Aid Presentations

Local financial aid professionals offered Financial Aid Nights in the fall for students and their families to watch virtually and learn more about the financial aid process. Those videos are linked below as a reference for completing the FAFSA and TAP applications. 

Kerrie Cooper- SUNY Canton-October 20th

Courtney Rust- SUNY Canton-October 21st