The government pays billions of dollars each year to help students to go to college,
and they often do that in the form of a student grant. A student grant usually goes
straight to the college and does not have to be paid back.
Federal Pell Grant
A federal grant to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional
degree. To determine if you are eligible, apply on the FAFSA. The maximum Pell Grant for 2012-13 is $5550 (for full-time students). Part-time
students receive a lesser amount. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the student's
enrollment status determine the amount of the award. Students must meet all eligibility
criteria to be eligible.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
A federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need - students with
the lowest EFC's who demonstrate financial need and who receive Federal Pell Grants.
Funds are limited, so students should apply by the priority deadline (May 1 for Fall
and November 1 for Spring).
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
A New York State grant for full-time students who are residents of NYS and meet all
eligibility criteria. Students must complete and send the Express TAP Application (ETA) either online (after the completion of the online FAFSA) or by mail. Awards for 2012-13* may range from $500 - $3990 per year based on 2011
NYS income tax information.
* Depends on the NYS budget.
New York State Aid for Part-time Study (APTS)
A New York State grant for part-time matriculated students taking at least 3 college
credits. APTS applications are available by clicking here, or at the Financial Aid Office. Fall 2012 application deadline is Friday, August
3, 2012 and the Spring 2013 application deadline is Friday, January 11, 2013. Award
amounts are determined by enrollment and funds available. Students must meet all eligibility.
New York State Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP)
SUNY Ulster's Educational Opportunity Program provides academic support and financial
aid to students who show promise for mastering college-level work. Offered primarily
to full-time students who are New York State residents, EOP accepts students who qualify
academically and financially for the program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to EOP, a student must be
- A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
- Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program
- In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines.
In selecting students for the program, priority is given to full-time applicants from
historically disadvantaged backgrounds. If in the year prior to enrollment a family's
income falls within EOP guidelines due to unemployment, separation, divorce or death
of a parent, etc. a student may qualify for EOP.
Required Records
As part of the EOP admission process, high school records and test scores will be
reviewed. This information will help the EOP counselors evaluate a student's potential
for success in a college program.
Support Services
EOP students receive special services regarding tutoring, academic, career, and personal
counseling.
Transfers
Transfer student may be eligible for EOP if they were enrolled in EOP, HEOP, College
Discovery, SEEK, or a similar program at a previous college. Students must have prior
college(s) complete EOP Transfer Forms.
Income Guidelines
The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission during
the 2012-2013 academic year. To be economically disadvantaged, a student must belong
to a household with a total income as defined below, or meet at least one of the exceptions
as noted in the Exceptions ro Economic Guidelines below.
EOP Financial Eligibility
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE (including head of household) |
TOTAL ANNUAL INCOME IN PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR* |
| 1 | $20,665 |
| 2 | $27,991 |
| 3 | $35,317 |
| 4 | $42,643 |
| 5 | $49,969 |
| 6 | $57,295 |
| 7 | $64,621 |
| 8 | $72,113 |
* For each additional family member add $7,326.
Exceptions to Income Guidelines
- The student's family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance
- The student lives with foster parents who do not provide support for college and the student's natural parents provide no such support;
- The student is a ward of the state or county.