Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information/Websites
Community Letter Regarding Financial Aid Opportunities
- CSS Profile (required by many private colleges)
- FAFSA Application
- NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
- NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- Student Guide to Financial Aid
- Step by Step guide to FAFSA Questions
- Federal Student Aid YouTube Page
Get Ready To File the FAFSA
Get prepared by gathering the necessary information.
• Create your account at studentaid.gov and set up your FSA ID. Your FSA ID is the username and password students will use to access all Federal Student Aid websites. It takes about 10 minutes to create an account and set up an FSA ID. We strongly recommend getting FSA ID’s ahead of time. For dependent students, at least one parent will also need to create an account and set up an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.
• Start Gathering the Documents needs to apply. Click the link below for a list of items you may need:
Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program Application
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.
- The application is available at hesc.ny.gov/TAP
- Students will need to create a HESCPIN using their email address and a unique password in order to access the TAP application. Students who have an NYS Driver’s License, non-driver ID, or Student ID will be asked to include that information when creating their HESCPIN account.
- Once students complete their FAFSA, they can use the link at the end of the FAFSA to return to and submit their TAP application for processing.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Click Here for a list of schools which require the CSS profile.
• Most students complete the application in their senior year of high school starting on October 1. Schools may have different deadlines - be sure to check with each school you are applying.
Upcoming Financial Aid Presentations and Workshops
Financial Aid Workshops offered by Suffolk Community College:
The Financial Aid 101 session provides participants with a general overview of the financial aid process, basic eligibility requirements, types of aid programs available, and additional resources for students.
The Financial Aid 102 session provides the participant with an in-depth review of the 24/25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application. Information regarding completing the NYS Payment Application for New York State aid (TAP) will also be discussed.
Get Connected to the Resources Students Need
HESC Text can send students and parents text messages with vital information on financial aid, crucial deadlines, and valuable resources to help put them on the right path toward their college careers. Sign-up is quick and easy at hesc.ny.gov.
Whether you're just starting or have questions about financial aid, HESC has events that can provide you and your family the one-on-one support needed to help complete your FAFSA and TAP applications successfully. Don't let available college financial aid go unused—attend a FAFSA/TAP completion event and get the help you need to secure your college education!
Visit the HESC Events page for events and to register.
Meet Wyatt, your friendly digital FAFSA advisor
The education community is gearing up for the Better Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) arrival this December. At Common App, we are committed to providing resources to students that assist them in navigating the financial aid process. We're thrilled to share our partnership with Benefits Data Trust, introducing Wyatt—a digital advisor. Students can now text their FAFSA and financial questions, receiving personalized responses to guide them through the application process. To get ready for the Better FAFSA, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) and the Federal Student Aid (FSA) have compiled resources for members and partners.