Financial Aid
COST of ATTENDANCE
The cost of attendance is based on the student's enrollment status and student status (independent or dependent).
After completing the FAFSA, the information reported is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The formula used to calculate the EFC is established by law and is used to measure the family's financial strength on the basis of family income and assets. The EFC is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid based on financial need.
"Need" is defined as the difference between what it costs a student to attend for an academic year and the funds the student and his/her family can be expected to contribute toward those costs.
A student's resources include contributions from:
- Parents' income and assets
- Student's income and assets (and spouse's, if married)
- Outside or private scholarships
- Other sources of financial support.
Financial Need is calculated by subtracting the following from the Cost of Attendance.
| The COST of ATTENDANCE |
| Less Expected Family Contribution |
| Less PELL Award |
| Less NYS TAP/APTS Award |
| Less Outside Resources* |
| Equals = FINANCIAL NEED |
*Outside Resources are defined as sources available to students to help finance their education. Some sources may reduce the amount of TAP/APTS if those sources are specifically identified for the payment of tuition (tuition waivers, tuition-specific scholarships, etc.).
Outside resources include:
- VESID
- Scholarships
- Employer educational assistance
- Any educational benefits paid because of enrollment in a postsecondary education institution as identified by the U.S. Department of Education
- Educational benefits paid under Chapters 106 and 107 of Title 10 (Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program)
- Veterans educational benefits paid under Chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of title 38 of the United States Code
- National service education awards (AmeriCorps)
- Net earnings from need-based employment
- Waivers of tuition and fees
