Financial Aid | Alfred State

Introduction

We understand that filing for financial aid is a complex process. Alfred State's Student Records and Financial Services Office is available to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that you obtain the Federal and State financial aid you are entitled to. We are your one stop shop for financial aid, billing, and student records.

Alfred State works hard to cut your costs through Free Tuition Plus. Your goal of going to college can come true as we help you save money, earn scholarships, make money on campus, and then launch a fulfilling and good-paying career.

SUNY Net Price Calculator

Use the SUNY Net Price Calculator for an early estimate of financial aid and costs.

Applying for Federal and State Aid

Create an Account (FSA ID)
- Dependent students and at least one parent must each apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA) issued by the U.S. Department of Education. Independent students need only one FSA ID.
- The account is used to authenticate your identity and are used as an electronic signature.
Gather Your Information
- Have the necessary tax returns and other income documentation at hand. If taxes are late getting prepared, you can estimate income and make corrections when actual data is available.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Visit the Federal Student Aid website to start the FAFSA application.
- Complete the online FAFSA and print the confirmation page as receipt of the application.
  - Alfred State's Title IV code is: 002854
- Filing early can make a difference in your financial aid plan, so be sure to complete the FAFSA beginning October 1st for the upcoming academic year.
- Campus-based funding (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Nursing Loan, Federal College Work Study) is planned according to eligibility guidelines established by the federal government in conjunction with policies and procedures of the Office of Student Records and Financial Services.
Complete New York State Aid Applications
- From the FAFSA confirmation page, New York State residents are provided with a link to apply for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). You can also access the online TAP application directly. TAP is available for eligible students taking 6 or more credit hours per semester in their program of study.
- Alfred State's TAP school codes are:
  - 3005 - Certificate Programs
  - 3005 - Associate Degree Programs
  - 6005 - Baccalaureate Degree Programs
- Apply for additional New York State scholarships such as the Excelsior Scholarship. Select “NYS Scholarships & Awards” for application information and timelines
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Login to your Account approximately five (5) days after submitting your FAFSA. Review your SAR and make any necessary corrections.
Read Your Mail/Email
- The Student Records and Financial Services Office communicates with students via email and in some instances postal mail with instructions on applying for aid as well as requests for information. Be sure to read any notices that are sent and respond promptly to all requests.

Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship Application for the fall 2023 semester is now available to apply. The application deadline is Aug. 31, 2023. Please note that current Excelsior Scholarship recipients should not re-apply.

The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other financial aid programs, allows eligible students to attend a SUNY college tuition-free. Families who earn $125,000 or less are eligible to apply (student income is included if over $12,550). Sign up for NYS Excelsior Scholarship updates to receive a reminder when the application becomes available.

Students must meet eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to:

Be residents of New York State
Complete 30 (24 for ASOP/EOP) credits per year towards their program of study
Graduate with an associate's degree in two years or a bachelor's degree in four years unless in an approved opportunity (ASOP/EOP) or five-year program (BArch)

Please contact the Student Records and Financial Services Office if you have any questions.

Your Financial Aid Plan

Financial aid processing typically begins in December. Once you have been accepted to Alfred State and we receive your FAFSA, we will create your personalized Financial Aid Plan. All students considered for financial aid, and your eligibility is determined by federal and state regulations and your financial need based on data provided on the FAFSA. Financial need is calculated using the following formula:

Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

Financial Aid Plans are sent via mail to new students. Email notifications are sent to new and continuing students when Financial Aid Plans are available for viewing online at my.AlfredState.edu/finances. Instructions are provided to students on how to accept or decline their aid, how to check for incomplete financial aid requirements, and how to apply for the different types of aid being offered.

Types of Financial Aid

Your Financial Aid Plan may include any combination of the following aid sources:

Grants are funds typically provided by the Federal and/or State government and do not require repayment.
Scholarships are funds provided by Alfred State or other outside organizations and typically do not require repayment.
Loans are funds borrowed from the federal government or private lending institutions and must be repaid with interest.
Federal Work-Study provides students an opportunity to earn a portion of their educational expenses through employment.

What type of funds you are offered will depend on your financial need, your eligibility based on each fund's specific criteria, and availability of funds at the time your FAFSA application is received by the Student Records and Financial Services Office. Financial aid is conditional upon continuation of legislative authority and availability of appropriated funds.

Financing Your Education Resource Guide

Cover of the financing your college education guide, view of student wearing commencement cap — Financing your College Education (PDF)

More details on topics such as applying for and processing aid, college costs, scholarships, types of aid, and a financial aid timeline is available in our Financing Your College Education Resource Guide.

SUNY Smart Track

Financial literacy courses are available through Smart Track Financial Literacy where you can learn about a wide variety of financial matters such as budgeting, smart borrowing, and identity theft. First time users will need to create an account.