Frequently Asked Questions about Paying for College

How do I apply for Financial Aid?: Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filed electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. For detailed instructions, please see our Paying for College page.
Is it possible to appeal the aid being awarded?: Yes. If you or your family are experiencing any type of change in income, family size or other forms of economic hardship it is possible to appeal your awards. The appeal needs to be in writing and may require certain types of documentation. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance.
Should a student submit the $150 deposit now?: It is to the student's benefit to submit the $150 deposit as soon as possible. By doing so, he/she will secure a spot in his/her chosen major as well as in a residence hall. If a student submits the $150 deposit and then decides not to attend Alfred State, he/she has until May 1 to request, in writing a full refund.
What academic scholarships are available?: There are a variety of scholarships available. A Financial Aid brochure is included in the acceptance folder. Information regarding any scholarship application procedures are outlined in the brochure. If an incoming student wants more information, he/she should contact the Admissions Office at (607) 587-4215 or 1-800-4-ALFRED.
What are housing costs for 2008-09?: This year, a standard double costs $2,435 per semester. Large singles are $2,880 and small singles are $2,685. Also, each residential student is required to get a meal plan which should be figured in when you're doing your budget. For more information, call 1-800-4-ALFRED and ask to speak to the Student Accounts Office.
What are the advantages of a campus spending account?: The campus spending account is designed to give students an account to manage college expenses like books, supplies and special meals. CSA funds save time and hassle and can be spent at the Campus Stores, vending machines, dining facilities and with our campus partners. When you pay your bill, we recommend a CSA amount, but that amount can be completely deleted from your bill, or you can add to it. The minimum amount that can be added to the card is $10. The student photo ID card is swiped like a debit card when you make a purchase using CSA funds. As purchases are made, the account balance is reduced by that amount.
What if students have not paid the deposit within the 30 days but would like to pay it now?: Contact Admissions at (607) 587-4215 or 1-800-4-ALFRED.
When will I hear about my financial aid awards?: Accepted students or current students who have filed a FAFSA will begin to receive financial aid award letters in late March or approximately 3 weeks after you file your completed FAFSA, whichever date is later. Once a processed FAFSA has been received by Alfred State, students may also check the status of their aid and any requirements on BannerWeb. Students with an active campus e-mail account will receive financial aid notices via their e-mail account.
Will I receive a 1098T tax form?: The 1098T tax forms are mailed in January from Albany. You will not receive a 1098T if the total of your scholarships and grants (free aid) exceeds the total of your taxable college charges. Spring tuition bills are invoiced in November therefore the Spring taxable college charges will be included on the tax form for the year the bill was invoiced. Taxable college charges include tuition, college fee, activity fee, athletic fee, technology fee and transcript fee.

Question Topics

Frequently Asked Questions about Paying for College