Introduction
We understand that filing for financial aid is a complex process. While the primary responsibility for college expenses is up to you and your family, we are aware of just how challenging that can be. That is why we try to make it easier.
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.
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 identify theft. First time users will need to create an account.
SUNY Net Price Calculator
Use the SUNY Net Price Calculator for an early estimate of financial aid and costs.
COVID FAQ
We understand you may have questions related to how COVID-19 has impacted your student account and financial aid eligibility. Please review our COVID FAQ for Student Accounts for more information.
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. 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 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.
Affordable Connectivity Program
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.
Your Financial Aid Plan
All students are considered for all types of aid, and financial aid plans are made according to a student's eligibility in each program as determined by federal and state regulations. Plans are determined by financial need based on data provided by the student on the FAFSA. Financial aid is conditional upon continuation of legislative authority and availability of appropriated funds. Financial need is calculated using the following formula:
Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
Plans are created for accepted students with a valid FAFSA on file with the college. Students are notified by post card and via their Alfred State email account when their plans are available for viewing online. 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 planned.
Types of Financial Aid
Generally, financial aid is categorized into three types.
- Grants and scholarships are considered free money and do not need to be repaid.
- Loans do need to be repaid and should be considered as serious commitments.
- Federal Work-Study is a way for students to earn money through a part-time job in order to contribute to their college costs.
Which type of funds you are planned with 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.
More Information
More information on topics such as applying for and processing aid, college costs, scholarships, types of aid, and a detailed financial aid timeline is available in our Financing Your College Education Resource Guide.