Applying For Financial Aid

It all begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1

School Codes
FAFSA: 002880
TAP: 2230

Easy Steps

1. Complete all applications that apply to you:

Free Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application
New York State TAP Application for full-time students for full-time students (The link to this application will automatically appear upon completing the FAFSA application above.)
Aid for Part-Time Study Application (APTS) for part-time students. (more information regarding APTS)
Direct Loans are OPTIONAL and the Direct Loan requirements only need to be completed if you intend on accepting Federal student loans Direct Loan Requirements.
Veterans Application for Educational Benefits

You will need copies of your (and if Dependent, your parents) Federal and/or New York Statetax returns to file some of these applications.

For help with your FAFSA application, check out our FAFSA Videos

2. Complete the employment process to work on campus:

Hiring Authorization form
I-9 and W-4 (with appropriate documentation)
Student Aides: it is recommended that all students complete the FAFSA , the TAP Application and/or APTS application
See the Financial Aid Forms page for the most up to date student employment paperwork

3. Complete the Veteran's benefits application:

Provide a copy of DD 214 and/or other documentation

Application Deadlines

FAFSA

Fall 2021: May 15, 2021 for priority review of all campus based aid

Spring 2022: Nov. 15, 2021 for priority review of all campus based aid

TAP

Fall 2021 & Spring 2022:
Students are encouraged to apply at the time of FAFSA completion following the recommended FAFSA dates.

The latest a TAP application for 2021 - 2022 can be submitted is June 30, 2022.

APTS (based on NYS budget)

Fall 2021: Friday August 6, 2021 for review for Fall award
Spring 2022: Friday January 7, 2022 for review for Spring awardd

Checking Financial Aid Status

There is an approximate 5 week processing time once all required documentation/applications are received. To check your financial aid status, log in to My.SUNYUlster.edu and check the Financial aid Channel in the Student Resources Tab.

Changes in Financial Circumstance

Students may request consideration of their financial aid awards due to unusual or exceptional circumstances above and beyond the student's/parents' control, such as loss of employment, divorce/separation/death of parent, loss of untaxed income (social security benefits) or loss of unemployment benefits.

Such requests must be made in writing on a Special Conditions form and submitted with all required documentation.