Financial Aid

  • Financial Aid Information/Websites

     

    GET READY TO FILE THE 2024-2025 FAFSA

    The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available. Get prepared by gathering the necessary information.

    • Create your account at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch and set up your FSA ID. Your FSA ID is the username and password students will use to access all Federal Student Aid websites. It takes about 10 minutes to create an account and set up an FSA ID. We strongly recommend getting FSA ID’s ahead of time. For dependent students, at least one parent will also need to create an account and set up an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.

    • Start Gathering the Documents needs to apply. Click the link below for a list of items you may need:

     

    THE 2024-2025 NYS TAP

    The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.

    • Starting November 1, students can apply for TAP for the 2024-25 academic year.

     

    The 2024-25 New York State Tuition Assistance Program Application

    • The application is available at 
    • Students will need to  using their email address and a unique password in order to access the TAP application. Students who have an NYS Driver’s License, non-driver ID, or Student ID will be asked to include that information when creating their HESCPIN account.
    • Once students complete their FAFSA, they can use the link at the end of the FAFSA to return to and submit their TAP application for processing.

     

    CSS Profile

    The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Click Here for a list of schools which require the 2024-2025 CSS profile.

    • Most students complete the application in their senior year of high school starting on October 1. Schools may have different deadlines - be sure to check with each school you are applying to.

     

    Upcoming Financial Aid Presentations and Workshops

    Financial Aid Workshops offered by Suffolk Community College:

    The Financial Aid 101 session provides participants with a general overview of the financial aid process, basic eligibility requirements, types of aid programs available, and additional resources for students.

    The Financial Aid 102 session provides the participant with an in-depth review of the 24/25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.  Information regarding completing the NYS Payment Application for New York State aid (TAP) will also be discussed.

     

    Understanding the financial aid process can be challenging. HESC has events to help counselors, students, and their families navigate the process and access the resources they need.

    HESC Virtual Drop-in
    Encourage your students to drop in and connect with HESC experts to get answers to all their financial aid questions during one of our virtual drop-ins.

    Have questions? We’re here to help!

    If you have questions regarding the TAP/FAFSA or about any upcoming event, please contact precollegeservices@hesc.ny.gov.

    Get Connected to the Resources Students Need
    HESC Text can send students and parents text messages with vital information on financial aid, crucial deadlines, and valuable resources to help put them on the right path toward their college careers. Sign-up is quick and easy at . 

     

    Meet Wyatt, your friendly digital FAFSA advisor

    The education community is gearing up for the Better Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) arrival this December. At Common App, we are committed to providing resources to students that assist them in navigating the financial aid process. We're thrilled to share our partnership with Benefits Data Trust, —a digital advisor. Students can now text their FAFSA and financial questions, receiving personalized responses to guide them through the application process. To get ready for the Better FAFSA, the  and the  have compiled resources for members and partners.