Securing financial aid to pursue a college degree may seem like a daunting task. The JCB Guidance Office hosts a Financial Aid night each school year to guide college-bound seniors and their parents through the process of applying for financial aid. In addition to this informational event, the department has compiled the following list of resources, information and workshops about the financial aid process.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA may be filed after Oct. 1. FAFSA requires both students and their parent/guardian to have an ID number to file for federal aid. Encourage juniors to get their FSA IDs. It takes about 10 minutes, and investing the time now will help ease the FAFSA completion process in the fall. 

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York state. Depending on the academic year in which you begin study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.TAP can be applied for at the same time as the FAFSA.

CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is available in September and should be filed as soon as the student has decided on which colleges to apply. 

Deadlines and Fees

The financial cutoffs and amount of awards for the PELL and TAP grants vary from year to year and are subject to Congressional/State approval. The FAFSA, TAP, and/or the CSS Profile must be filed every year. It is the student's responsibility to contact financial aid offices, pick up and complete applications, meet deadlines and supply the necessary information. There are many online resources available to help understand financial aid. Do not pay a fee for any of this information!

• Comparing Financial Aid Awards
• Edvisors
• FAFSA Help
• Federal Student Aid
• Financial Aid Calculator
• Financial Aid Presentation
• Guide to Graduating Debt-Free
• Guide to Paying for College
• Scholarships
• SUNY Smart Track