Financial Aid

Introduction

We understand that applying for financial aid is a complex process. The Alfred State Student Records and Financial Services Office is here to answer any questions you have and to ensure you obtain the Federal and State financial aid you are entitled to. 

We work 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.

FAFSA Simplification

The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul to Federal Student Aid starting with the 2024-25 award year. This includes changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form aimed at making it easier for students and their families to apply for financial aid.  Additional changes include replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI) and expanding access to the Federal Pell Grant.  Due to these changes, the FAFSA form was officially released on November 21, 2024, for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Other Key Changes:

  • The FAFSA now uses the information for the parent who contributes the most financial support, regardless of who the student lives with.  If parents contribute equally, the adjusted gross income (AGI) of the highest earner will be used. 
  • A direct data share with the IRS is required.  Each contributor to the FAFSA (student, student spouse, parent(s), and/or stepparent) must provide consent to use their Federal Tax Information (FTI) on the FAFSA, even if they did not file a U.S. tax return.

Below are some resources to assist you with completing the FAFSA:

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

  1. 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 is used as an electronic signature.
  2. 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 as soon as it becomes available 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.
  3. 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
    • Non-citizens can apply for NYS financial aid programs through the Dream Act. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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, 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 $12,950). Sign up for NYS Excelsior Scholarship updates to receive an alert 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 ASEP/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 (ASEP/EOP) or five-year program (BArch)

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

Your Financial Aid Plan

Once you have been accepted to Alfred State and we receive your FAFSA, we will create your personalized Financial Aid Plan. All students are 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 - Student Aid Index = 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 the availability of funds at the time your FAFSA application is received by the Student Records and Financial Services Office. Financial aid is conditional upon the continuation of legislative authority and availability of appropriated funds.

SUNY Smart Track

Learn more about six important money management topics (earn, save & invest, protect, spend, borrow, and pay for education) with SUNY Smart Track CashCourse. The site includes videos, financial calculators, and more to help students achieve financial independence. First-time users will need to create an account.

Contact Us

The Student Records and Financial Services Office is your one-stop shop for Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Student Records.

Student Records and Financial Services
10 Upper College Drive
Alfred, New York 14802
Phone: 1-800-4-ALFRED or 607-587-4253
Email: sfs@alfredstate.edu
Fax: Financial Aid: 607-587-4298; Student Accounts: 607-587-3275; Student Records: 607-587-3287

We are located in the 10 Elm Building. The office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm during the semester and 8 am to 4 pm during the summer (mid-May to mid-August). Our After Hours Call Center can answer basic questions when the office is closed.