Sources of Financial Aid
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
The federal government pays the interest on this need-based loan while a student is in school and for a six-month period after graduation. Eligible students can borrow up to $5500 in their freshman year, $6500 in their sophomore year and $7500 in their junior and senior years. Funds for this loan come directly from the federal government. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the Direct Loan.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan
If a student still requires additional aid after receiving all other forms of aid, or does not qualify for any aid, a student may seek financial help from this low interest, non-need based program. With this unsubsidized loan, interest begins to accrue as soon as the loan is disbursed. Funds for this loan come from a bank, credit union, or other lender. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on your financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds at your school. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
Check out the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Federal Pell Grants
These are need-based awards given to eligible full and part-time undergraduate students. The amounts range up to $6,195 depending on the cost of attendance at a given school. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about Federal Pell Grants.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides undergraduate students with federally subsidized jobs on campus or in the community for 10-15 hours per week. Students can earn up to $1400 per year depending on school policy. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the Federal Work-Study Program.
PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
Through a local bank, parents may borrow up to the full cost of an education minus any financial aid received. Interest rates as of 2018-19 are 7.6% fixed. Repayment begins 6 months after student ceases to be enrolled at least part time. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s web site studentaid.ed.gov for more information about the PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students.)
New York State Specific Sources of Financial Aid (for more information, visit www.hesc.ny gov)
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
TAP, New York's largest grant program, helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions pay for tuition. TAP grants are based on the applicant's and his or her family's NYS taxable income.
NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics (STEM) Incentive Program
The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides a full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship for the top 10 percent of students in each NYS high school if they pursue a STEM degree program (associates or bachelors) and agree to work in a STEM field in NYS for 5 years after graduation.
New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)
The New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship provides high school graduates who excel academically with a $500 merit-based scholarship to support their cost of attendance at any college or university located in New York State.
Excelsior Scholarship Program
The Excelsior Scholarship Program, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition free. Currently available to eligible applicants who are residents of New York and have combined gross income of $125,000 or less. For details, go to hesc.ny.gov/excelsior
Merit Scholarships
At most selective colleges, almost the entire applicant pool is comprised of students who have excellent grades, high test scores, and involvement in extra curricular activities. Such institutions grant money only on the basis of demonstrated need. While this is also the case at many other colleges, an increasing number of colleges are awarding some scholarship money on the basis of “merit.” Merit based aid depends on academic, artistic, athletic, or some other criteria, not financial need. Awards that are merit based use grades, test scores, hobbies, or special talents to determine eligibility.
Local Sources
Many local scholarships are available for graduating seniors. Anything that is sent to the Office of Student Services is immediately posted to our Facebook page, Twitter feed, or Instagram. In addition, scholarships will be posted in Naviance. Copies of scholarship applications can be found in the Scholarship file in the Office of Student Services. Seniors are alos asked to fill out an Awards Night Information sheet which is sent home with second quarter report cards. Students must fill out and submit this form in order to be considered for scholarships awarded by the high school Scholarship Committee.