Financial Aid

Applying for Aid

Are you confused about the financial aid process and how to apply?  Please join us as we offer remote financial aid workshops you can attend from anywhere. 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 takes participants step-by-step through all parts of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We welcome all students, parents, and guidance counselors who would like to know more.

There are numerous sessions available. Use the link below to view the schedule and to register. Shortly before the scheduled session, you will receive a Zoom invitation, sent to the email address you provide when you register, that will provide all the meeting details.

Register for Financial Aid 101 and 102 Workshops

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FAFSA Changes for 2024-2025

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is scheduled to be released by December 31, 2023.

There are a number of changes in terminology, the application process, and the determination of eligibility for federal aid programs.

Key Changes:

• The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is being replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI).
• The term Contributor is anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA - student, student spouse, parent(s), and stepparent(s) for example.  All contributors will need to have an FSA ID.
• All contributors are required to provide consent to have their 2022 IRS tax data imported directly into the FAFSA.  Consent is required even if a contributor did not file a 2022 federal tax return.  If any contributor does not provide consent, the SAI will not be calculated and financial aid eligibility cannot be determined.
• In the case of divorced or separated parents, the contributor will be the parent who provided the most financial support in the 12 months prior to completing the FAFSA.

For additional details on the upcoming changes and steps you can complete now, visit the Federal Student Aid website Launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA Form.

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To receive full consideration for all financial aid programs, we urge you to apply by April 15 for the fall semester and by November 15 if you are entering in the spring semester. For all the major financial aid programs, including PELL, SEOG, TAP, APTS, loans, etc., follow these steps to apply:

1. All aid applicants must be matriculated in a degree or certificate program. Only courses that are required for your degree program are eligible for financial aid.
2. You and your parent must obtain a FSA ID and password. The FSA ID serves as a legal signature and should not be shared with anyone. 
   
   If you are creating a FSA ID for the first time, information must be verified with the Social Security Administration, which can take up to three days. Once your information is verified with Social Security Administration you will be able to use your FSA ID to complete the FAFSA.
   
   Visit studentaid.gov to create your FSA ID. Users without a Social Security Number should review important instructions here.
3. Complete the FAFSA:
   File electronically at FAFSA on the web. Federal Student Aid has a number of Pro Tips available to guide you through the process. Our Title IV School Codes are:
   
   • 002878 - Ammerman Campus
   • 014153 - Eastern Campus
   • 013204 - Grant Campus
4. If you are requesting a loan and you are a first time borrower at Suffolk County Community College, you must complete an Entrance Interview either by using online loan counseling at studentaid.gov or in person at your campus Financial Aid Office.
5. After you submit the FAFSA, apply for the New York State (NYS) aid at hesc.ny.gov.
6. To apply for a NYS Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) award, you must complete an APTS Application in addition to the FAFSA. Return the application and a signed copy of your NY State Tax Return to your campus Financial Aid Office. If you are a dependent, please also include your parent's return.

The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires educational institutions to make certain disclosures to students using federal military and/or VA educational benefits. To view and print a copy of an estimated personalized cost of attendance you can visit the SUNY Net Price Cost Calculator  and select Suffolk County Community College from the dropdown. Additional financial information can be found at the NCES College Navigator site. 

The SUNY Financial Aid Plan (FAP) will provide a more in-depth analysis and accurate picture of student cost once the student has filed their FAFSA, completed a SUNY application, and has been accepted by a campus.