We understand that filing for financial aid can be a confusing process. While the primary responsibility for college expenses is up to you and your family, we are aware of just how challenging that can be. That is why we try to make it easier.
Applying for Federal and State Financial Aid
- Apply for PIN(s)
- Dependent students and at least one parent must each apply for their FAFSA PIN number(s) issued by the U.S. Department of Education at: http://www.pin.ed.gov. Independent students need only one PIN.
- The PIN numbers are used to authenticate your identity and are used as electronic signatures.
- You will receive your PIN(s) via e-mail usually within 3-5 days.
- Gather Your Information
- Have the necessary tax returns and other income documentation at hand. If taxes are late getting prepared, you can estimate income and make corrections when actual data is available.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Complete the online FAFSA and print the confirmation page as receipt of the application.
- Alfred State's Title IV code is: 002854
- Filing early can make a difference in your financial aid package so be sure to complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible for the academic year in which you plan to enroll.
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- From the FAFSA confirmation page, New York State residents are provided with a link to apply for "TAP on the Web."
- You can also access the online TAP application directly at: http://www.tapweb.org
- Alfred State's TAP school codes are:
- 3005 - Associate Degree Programs
- 6005 - Baccalaureate Degree Programs
- Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Check
your e-mail approximately five (5) days after submitting your FAFSA
online for a link to your SAR and make any necessary corrections to
your application.
- Read Your Mail
- The
Financial Aid Office communicates with students via e-mail and in some
instances postal mail with instructions on applying for aid as well as
requests for information. Be sure to read any notices that are sent and
respond promptly to all requests.
Your Financial Aid Award
All students are considered for all types of aid, and financial aid
packages are made according to a student's eligibility in each program
as determined by federal and state regulations. Awards are determined
by financial need based on data provided by the student on the FAFSA.
The offer of financial aid is conditional upon continuation of
legislative authority and availability of appropriated funds. Financial
need is calculated using the following formula:
Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
Beginning in early spring financial aid awards are determined for
accepted students with a valid FAFSA on file with the college. Students
are notified by post card and via their Alfred State College e-mail
account when their awards are available for viewing online.
Instructions are provided to students on how to accept or decline their
aid, how to check for incomplete financial aid requirements, and how to
apply for the different types of aid being offered.
Types of Financial Aid
Generally, financial aid is categorized into three types.
- Grants and Scholarships are considered free money and do not need to be repaid.
- Loans do need to be repaid and should be considered as serious commitments.
- Federal Work-Study is a way for students to earn money through a part-time job in order to contribute to their college costs.
Which type of funds you are offered will depend on your financial need, your eligibility based on each fund's specific criteria, and availability of funds at the time your FAFSA application is received by the Financial Aid Office.
More information on individual types of aid can be found on the Understanding Your Financial Aid Awards page and also in the College Catalog.