What is Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is money that is issued to an applicant to help pay for Higher
Education Expenses. Financial Aid consists of: grants, scholarships, loans
and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional and private
sources. The amount and types of aid awarded are determined by financial
need.
How do I apply for
financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the FAFSA application, Free
Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the universal application
for financial aid, including loans, grants, college work-study and other
federal and state programs. In addition, some private colleges may require
students to complete the CSS/Profile form.
Is there an advantage to
applying electronically?
There is no obvious advantage to applying either electronically or by mail.
The recommendation is to use the application process that is easiest for
you. If you do submit the application by mail, make sure to complete it
using a black ink pen. Avoid using blue ink. Whether you submit
electronically or by mail, retain a copy of the completed financial aid form
for your records.
What information will I
need to apply for financial aid?
Financial aid forms request the financial information from you and your
parents for the past year. For example, if you are planning to enter college
in the fall of 2003, you will need the financial information from 2002.
When should I apply for
financial aid?
Financial aid forms should be completed as soon as possible after January 1
in the year that you are applying for admission. Award packages are issued
on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. Therefore, it is to your
advantage to submit the forms as soon as possible.
What is the next step
after applying?
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a report confirming the
information on your original application. If there are any corrections, they
can be indicated on that form.
How is financial aid
granted?
Financial Aid eligibility is determined upon review of the required
financial aid forms by each of the colleges in which the applicant applies.
Financial aid is granted based upon the applicant's financial need. Upon
review, each college will offer an "award package." This award
package will apply aid in one or more of the following categories: grants,
scholarships, work-study or low-interest student loans.
Does each college offer the same award package?
The award package granted by each college may be different. Award packages
differ for a variety of reasons:
· The amounts of aid money available to colleges vary.
· The amount of students applying for aid among colleges varies.
· The total populations of colleges vary, therefore affecting the amount of
aid needed by the student population.
· College costs vary, therefore affecting amount of aid offered.
Is the award package
negotiable?
Many applicants don't realize that the award package is negotiable. If you
are dissatisfied with the award package, contact the college's financial aid
office to discuss the desired changes. It is helpful to have the name of a
specific person that you met during your campus visit to contact. If not,
try to discuss your award package with the same person. The more specific
you are about what area of the aid package you would like to see increased
and by how much, the more successful your negotiation will be.
What resources are
available to help with the financial aid process?
The financial aid process can be frustrating at times so knowing your
resources can be extremely helpful.
· Guidance Office - The Guidance Office provides forms and general
assistance with form completion.
· C.C.C. Financial Aid Office - Whether you are attending C.C.C. or not,
their Financial Aid Office has always offered support and assistance from
the very basic to the very specific questions on the FAFSA.
· Prospective College Financial Aid Office - The Financial Aid Office at
each of your prospective colleges can also assist with questions regarding
form completion and award package
8455 County Route 125 * Campbell, NY 14821
Phone: (607) 527-9800 * Fax: (607) 527-9863
