FAFSA Guidance

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a key step in college financial aid.

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The FAFSA is the form that the federal government, states, colleges, and other organizations use to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.

It's also used to determine many state and institutional financial aid programs, including the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the NYS Excelsior Scholarship Award.

Don't Miss Out on Financial Aid

Filling out the FAFSA application is easier than you think, and it's completely free! Whether you're a high school senior or an adult learner heading back to college, HESC has the tools and resources to help you complete the FAFSA and secure the financial assistance you need for your education.

If you don’t submit a FAFSA, you could miss out on free money and low-cost federal loans for school. Last year, students in New York left over $225M of unclaimed federal financial aid on the table because they didn’t apply for the FAFSA.

Students who do not meet residency requirements may be eligible for TAP through the New York State DREAM Act.

Find An Event

HESC offers a wide-range of events to help you navigate the college application and financial aid process.