Sources of Financial Aid

College can be a major expense, but Financial Aid makes earning a degree accessible to everyone.

Financial Aid helps students and their families pay for college expenses, including tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Most full-time college students receive some form of Financial Aid.

Learn more about financial aid in this SUNY video.

FAFSA is changing.

Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 aid year! The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the need analysis that determines federal aid eligibility, changes in terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. Watch a video outlining these changes.

Change of application dates

Historically, FAFSA has been available beginning Oct. 1. However, because of significant changes to the application and the rebuild of the FAFSA processing system, the 2024-25 FAFSA will be available by Dec. 31, 2023. Should it become available sooner, an update will be posted here.

Note: there will not be a direct link to the NYS TAP application on the FAFSA. You can complete that application here. 

Important changes:

Historically, the FAFSA has been available beginning Oct. 1. However, because of significant changes to the application and the rebuild of the FAFSA processing system, the 2024-25 FAFSA will not be available until sometime in December 2023. Updates on an exact date will be posted here when announced.

Students may list up to 20 colleges. Previously, the FAFSA only allowed students to list up to 10 colleges and universities.

All “contributors” must provide financial information. A contributor — a new term being introduced on the 2024-25 FAFSA — refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student's form (such as a parent/stepparent or spouse). A student's or parent's answers on the FAFSA will determine which contributors (if any) will be required to provide information.

Contributors will receive an email informing them they were identified as such, and will need to log in using their own FSA ID (if they don't already have one) to provide the required information on the student's FAFSA.

Being a contributor does not mean they are financially responsible for the student's education costs, but it does mean the contributor must provide information on the FAFSA or the application will be incomplete and the student will not be eligible for federal student aid.
 

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing Expected Family Contribution (EFC). A notable terminology update within the new FAFSA is the replacement of the term Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI). This name more accurately describes the number used to determine aid eligibility and, unlike the EFC, the SAI may be a negative number down to -1500.

The number in college will not be used to calculate SAI. Previously, the FAFSA calculated the number of household members attending college into the EFC, dividing it proportionately to determine federal aid eligibility. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the application will still ask how many household members are in college, but your answer will not be calculated into the SAI. As such, Lycoming College students with siblings in college may see a change in their federal aid eligibility.

Family farms and small businesses must be reported as assets. When required, families must now report the value of their small business or family farm. If the family farm includes the principal place of residence, applicants should determine the total net value of all farm assets and subtract the net value of their principal residence to determine the final value of their farm assets.
 

Applicants will be required to use the IRS Direct Data Exchange. Previously, users had the option to enter their tax information manually or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Beginning with 2024-25, everyone on the FAFSA must provide consent for the Department of Education to receive tax information or confirmation of non-filing status directly from the IRS. In a small number of cases, students and families will have to enter their tax data manually, but for most, that data will be automatically transferred into the application. This change makes it easier to complete the FAFSA and reduces the number of questions to be answered.

The FAFSA will be available in more languages. The FAFSA is only available in English and Spanish. The 2024-25 application will be expanded to include the 11 most common languages spoken by English learner students and their parents.

Some student will automatically be awarded a Pell Grant. Families making less than 175 percent and single parents making less than 225 percent of the federal poverty level will see their students receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant award. Minimum Pell Grants will be guaranteed to students from households below 275 percent, 325 percent, 350 percent or 400 percent of the poverty level, depending on household structure. Pell awards between the maximum and minimum amounts will be determined by SAI.

The parent responsible for submitting the FAFSA in cases of divorce or separation has changed. For dependent students, financial information was previously needed from the parents the student lived with most in the past 12 months. With the new FAFSA, financial information will be required from the parent(s) who provided the most financial support to the student.

The FAFSA will be shorter and more user-friendly. The FAFSA will reduce the maximum number of questions from 108 to 46. And because the FAFSA on the web is dynamic, some students won't even be presented with all 46 questions. This streamlined format will simplify the application process and make it less daunting for students and their families.

While the FAFSA is receiving an update and the aid eligibility calculation has been revised, there are a number of aid-related matters that will not change.

  • The FAFSA application remains the only application required for determining federal aid.
  • The general types of aid available to students and federal student loan limits will not change.
  • The FAFSA will still be required for consideration of federal financial aid every year.
  • Dependency status questions that determine if your parent(s) must complete the FAFSA will remain the same.
  • The FAFSA will still request tax information from the prior-prior year, which means you will report 2022 income information on your 2024-25 application.

New and returning students should submit the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available in December 2023 to be considered for aid in fall 2024 and spring 2025. All applicants should submit the FAFSA by June 1, 2024. Although it will be accepted past this date, applicants failing to do so by June 1 risk not having aid in place for the fall ’24 semester.

Financial Aid Forms

All financial aid forms are available for download in PDF format. 

Hard copies are also available from the Financial Aid Office in Warren Hall.

You may also contact us at 518-743-2223 or finaidoffice@sunyacc.edu to request a copy be mailed to you.
 

More information

Those using federal grant money will automatically have it offered. If students using federal grant money do not wish to participate, an opt-out form is available at the Financial Aid or Student Accounts offices.

When using loan funds, students must complete this application

Eligibility:

  • Student must have approved loans.
  • Student must NOT be eligible for Federal Pell.
  • Student must be registered in the term.
  • Student must have a valid certificate of residence on file.
  • Student must have excess funds available after paying tuition, fees and housing.
  • Student must have no outstanding prior balance with SUNY Adirondack.
  • Student must submit an application to Student Accounts each semester.

You can view the amount of this advance on your Self Service Banner any time under the Student Accounts tab. Please note you will only be charged for the actual amount spent at the campus bookstore. You must apply for the bookstore loan advance each semester.

*If a student becomes ineligible for financial aid, the bookstore charges will be the responsibility of the student.

Limits:

$750 full time (12+ credits)

$560 ¾ time (9-11 credits)

$375 ½ time (6-8 credits)

$185 less than ½ time (1-5 credits)

 

Things change, life happens

Sometimes the information you provide on the FAFSA no longer accurately reflects your financial situation. Determine if a financial aid professional judgment will benefit you.  

Financial Aid is only awarded to support enrollment in classes required for a SUNY Adirondack degree or certificate program. Specific programs will determine a student’s enrollment status, including:

  • Full-time — 12 or more credits
  • Three-quarters time — 9 to 11 credits
  • Half-time — 6 to 8 credits
  • Less than half-time — 1 to 5 credits

We are required to monitor students’ enrollment status at the following points during the year and may need to re-calculate aid eligibility for changes:

  • between award date and start of the semester;
  • during the add/drop period (first five days of the fall and spring semester);
  • during the first three weeks of a semester;
  • if a professor reports a student as a “no show” (never attended class);
  • withdrawal from all classes before the 60 percent point of a semester (dates posted in the Financial Aid office);
  • between the fall and spring semesters
     

How will a withdrawal affect Financial Aid?

Financial Aid recipients are encouraged to seek advice before withdrawing from a class. We will offer advice regarding the impact on the current semester and future aid eligibility at SUNY Adirondack. Ultimately, the decision is up to the student.

Federal regulations require re-calculation of a student’s eligibility for federal grants (Pell, SEOG) and loans if the student withdraws prior to the 60 percent point of a semester. The Financial Aid office must determine how much federal aid has been earned based on the portion of the semester completed. A re-calculation could result in the need for a student to return funds to the federal government (including repayment of refunds) and/or a debt to the college.

Verification process

Each aid year, the U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students who file the FAFSA for review in a process called “verification.” The college is responsible to collect selected students financial documents and verify that the information on the FAFSA is accurate and complete.

When SUNY Adirondack is notified that a student was selected for verification, we send a tracking letter formally requesting the documents and enclosing the verification worksheet. Students can find the documents needed to complete the process listed in the “Requirements” category in Self Service Banner. In most cases, the college simply needs to collect a tax transcript of the prior year’s federal tax returns (if the student and/or parent did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within FAFSA) and a signed verification worksheet. A student must complete the verification process before the college can review his or her financial aid application and determine eligibility for aid.

Avoid unnecessary delays by:

  • completing all sections of the verification worksheet (If something doesn’t apply to you, enter “0,” which indicates you have read and answered the question.)
  • signing the verification sheet, with parent signature if applicable
  • promptly submitting requested documents — or resubmitting, if an item is returned to you for completion or signature

 

Apply for Excelsior scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year.

Can I receive financial aid for a repeated class?

Both state and federal aid will pay for repeat of classes that are required towards your degree for which you did not receive credit (X, U, W, or F grades, or classes in which you did not attain the minimum grade required for your program of study). Federal aid can be used to repeat a previously passed class once to improve your GPA or transferability, however, NYS does not allow this.

Can I receive financial aid if I attend part time?

You may be eligible for some financial aid. Factors for eligibility include meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, the number of credits in which you enroll, and whether your classes are required for your degree. For federal aid, student loans require enrollment in at least six credits/semester. Students can receive Pell for enrollment in a single class, depending on their EFC. For New York state aid, TAP requires students be enrolled in 6 or more credits/semester. 

Can I use financial aid for summer classes?

Yes, financial aid is available for the summer.  To request summer aid, you must submit a Summer Aid Application available each spring after registration begins. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in classes required for your degree. Note that there are caveats to summer aid that may impact future semester eligibility. The review for summer aid doesn’t take place until after spring grades are available, which is after the bill due date. We recommend you make payment arrangements up front and then receive reimbursement after your aid is determined and disbursed to your account.

Do I need to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes.  Students are required to apply for financial aid every academic year. If you attended for one semester only, you are still required to complete one for each new academic year, which begins each fall.

Has SUNY Adirondack received my FAFSA?

You can review both received and outstanding document requirements in your Self-Service Banner account under the Requirement tab/link. If you do not see "Student Aid Report" listed, then SUNY Adirondack has not yet received your FAFSA. Please note it can take three to five business days for processing after you submit your signed application.

How can I appeal loss of financial aid eligibility?

If you have received a Loss of Eligibility indicating loss of federal and/or state aid, you have the option to appeal this decision. Please submit a signed letter of explanation to the Financial Aid Office; your letter should fully explain why you did not succeed and what you will change to improve your academic performance going forward. You will be asked to document your circumstances. The appeal must be in writing and received within two weeks of receiving notice. Appeals submitted for evaluation to the Financial Aid Office are reviewed by an appeal committee. Students will be notified in writing via their wolfmail account of the decision. Per regulation, we are required to use the chart put forth by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to determine eligibility for NYS awards.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

The financial aid application process starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the student to be considered for federal grants, loans and/or work-study opportunities. Students may apply online. Families who prefer a paper application can request one at 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243). Students will also should complete an application for state aid from the state in which they reside to see if they may qualify for additional assistance in paying for school.

How do I get my tax return transcript?

If you are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA and require a copy of your tax return transcript you can attain a tax return transcript directly

How do I review my financial aid in Self Service Banner (SSB)?

Financial Aid information is available on Self Service Banner on the "Award" tab. There, you can review your aid eligibility and accept offered awards. For more information regarding how to navigate this screen, including instructions on how to accept any pending awards, please see Banner Instructions*.

I am having FAFSA processing issues.  How do I contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center?

Students requiring further assistance can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) from 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday (all Eastern time).

I don't think I will qualify for aid. Should I apply anyway?

Yes! Many families think they don’t qualify for aid, but many do. In addition, if you are interested in borrowing federal student loans, plan to participate in work study, or are the recipient of certain SUNY Adirondack scholarships you will be required to fill out a FAFSA in order to be eligible.

I received a revised letter.  What has changed?

You can review your Self Service Banner account to see what changes have been made to your awards as outlined in the revised letter you received. Note that a reduction in aid may result in a balance due with the college.

If I take a semester off do I have to start repaying my loans?

The short answer: Not immediately. Federal subsidized and unsubsidized have a grace period of six months before the student must begin repaying the loan. 

If your parent borrowed PLUS loans, they may have the same criteria for repayment. When you take a leave of absence, you will not have to repay your loan until the grace period is up. However, if your exhaust your grace period while you are not enrolled, you will have to start making payments on your loans. Also note that if you use your entire grace period, then when you graduate, you will have to begin repaying your loan immediately.

My financial aid changed halfway through the semester?  How can this happen?

There are several reasons why this may occur.  If you stopped attending one or more of your classes and your professor reported you abandoned the class, the Financial Aid office is obligated to recalculate your aid eligibility. This can also occur when a student changes their FAFSA or had a loan reported in default.

My income is different this year.  Am I eligible for more aid?

The FAFSA takes many criteria into account, including household size and income, when estimating your EFC for federal aid eligibility. If you feel your FAFSA does not represent your household's current financial situation, you have the option to request a Professional Judgment. To do so, contact the Financial Aid Office to receive additional information about the process.

What happens to my financial aid if I withdraw from a class?

This can vary significantly from student to student, and depends on many factors. If you are considering withdrawing from a class and you receive financial aid, you are strongly encouraged to meet with a Financial Aid administrator to discuss the possible impacts to your eligibility.

What is Aid For Part Time Study (APTS)? Am I eligible?

Students enrolled less than full time residing in NYS may be eligible for APTS. Students interested in this grant should contact the Financial Aid Office regarding Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) criteria and application processing. Please note that APTS is a limited fund and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What is matriculation?

Matriculation is the act of enrolling in a program of study at SUNY Adirondack. To enroll, students must be accepted at SUNY Adirondack by the Office of Admissions. To be eligible for financial aid, students must be matriculated in a degree program and take classes required for this degree. If you are matriculated at another college and taking a class at SUNY Adirondack, you are not eligible for financial aid through our college.

What is verification?

Each year the federal processor selects 30 percent of all students nationwide who file the FAFSA for a review process called verification. If your FAFSA has been selected for the verification process, then additional information will be requested to verify information on the FAFSA such as household size, number in college and income-related data. The FAO is unable to review a student’s eligibility for federal aid until this form and supporting documents is received.

When will my aid be disbursed?

Estimated disbursement dates can be seen for each award on SSB. Federal loans are anticipated to disburse on the fifth and ninth weeks of each semester, and Pell is anticipated to disburse mid-November and late-March, respectively. TAP disbursement is determined by the state and is based on when your award appears on a roster provided by NYS. Because the college does not control this date, the disbursement date in SSB appears as a future date. Note that TAP disbursement cannot occur before certification, which is the process by which the college verifies you are enrolled full time and meet good academic standing for the award.

Where can I find Financial Aid forms?

Financial aid forms are available for download. You can also call the Financial Aid Office to request a copy of a form.

Where do I complete the MPN? Entrance Counseling?

Both the MPN and Entrance Counseling are federal loan requirements for new, first-time borrowers are to be completed online. Students login to this site using their FSA ID and the accompanying password. (This is the same ID you used to sign your FAFSA). If you have borrowed before but this is your first loan at SUNY Adirondack, you still must complete an MPN for SUNY Adirondack.

Why do I need my parents' information?

Students younger than age 24 who are not married, do not have dependents and are not in the military are considered dependent for federal financial aid purposes, even if they do not live with or receive financial support from their parents. If you feel you have extenuating circumstances (i.e. domestic violence, parents are incarcerated) and are unable to provide parental information, please contact the Financial Aid office for more information on your options.

Why doesn't my work-study grant appear on my bill?

Work study is a grant that is earned based on the hours of work the student complete, and as such the student is paid in the form of a paycheck bi-weekly.

 

Academic Year: The student's enrollment period for which financial assistance/aid is awarded. The federal definition of academic year is July 1 through June 30.  The FAFSA must be completed each academic year for consideration for federal aid.

ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act specifies the full-time requirement for financial aid eligibility is eliminated. Students meeting ADA guidelines may receive NYS financial aid even if they are not enrolled full time in 12 or more credits.

APTS: Aid for Part Time Study is a limited NYS grant available to students attending college less than full time. This is a limited grant program, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through the application process. Note that certain income-based criteria must be met to qualify.

Award Letter: A list of all the financial aid awarded to a student by a school.


Bookstore advance: Funds are made available in the campus bookstore for students whose authorized aid exceeds tuition and fee charges and have a valid Certificate of Residency on file. This amount can be viewed on the Student Account section of your Self Service Banner account.

Bursar: The college administrator who oversees billing and payment in the Student Accounts Office.


Capitalization: The addition of unpaid interest to the principal balance of a loan.

Census: Census is the process by which the college determines enrollment for the semester. The census is due after the third full week of classes, at which time faculty verify attendance. This information is then evaluated to confirm financial aid eligibility. Changes to enrollment can result in changes to financial aid eligibility. 

COA: The Cost Of Attendance is an estimate of both direct (billed) costs such as tuition and fees, and indirect (unbilled) costs such as transportation and books for an enrollment period.

Consolidation: The process of combining one or more loans into a single new loan.

Credit Balance: The amount of aid remaining in a student's account after payment of all charges are covered.


Deferment: A period of time set by your lender during which student loan payments are postponed (i.e. if you are enrolled in school at least half time during the fall and spring semesters).

Dependency Status: Determines who is required to provide information on the FAFSA, including income and signatures. A series of questions will assist students in determining whether they are considered dependent or independent for federal aid purposes.

Direct Loans: Federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans. These are loans made directly with the U.S. Department of Education through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Disbursement: Payment of financial aid funds made to the school on behalf of the recipient. If disbursement results in a credit balance on your account, you may be eligible for a refund.

DRN: The Data Release Number is a unique four-digit identifier found on the top right-hand corner of your SAR that allows you to release your FAFSA data to a school you have not yet listed on your FAFSA.


EFC: The Expected Family Contribution, determined by your FAFSA, is an indicator of your family's financial strength and is used to calculate your federal student aid eligibility.

Enrollment Status: The designation of a student as being enrolled full time (12 or more credits), three-quarter time (nine-11 credits), half-time (six-eight credits), or less-than-half-time (fewer than six credits).

ETA: Express TAP Application, completed at www.tapweb.org, is the New York state application for aid.


FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the federal application for aid. Complete the FAFSA online.

FFEL: If you borrowed federal loans before July 1, 2010, you may have borrowed subsidized, unsubsidized, and/or PLUS loans processed by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan program. These loans were reinsured by the federal government as a result of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. No new FFEL Program loans were made after July 1, 2010. 

Financial Need: Cost of Attendance (COA) minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC) equals financial need.

FSA ID: The FSA ID is a secure username and password that act as your signature on federal student aid documents, including the FAFSA and your MPN (if you borrow federal loans).


Grace Period: A period of time after a borrower graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time (six credits) during which they are not required to may payments on their loan.

Grant: Financial aid that does not need to be repaid. 


HESC: Higher Education Services Corporation is New York state's higher education student financial aid agency. HESC administers the TAP grant along with various state-issued scholarships.  More information about HESC


Interest: A loan expense charged for the use of borrowed money. Interest is paid by a borrower to a lender, and is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal on a loan.

Interest Rate: The percentage at which interest is calculated on your loan(s).

IRS DRT: The IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA allows students and parents to import their income information to the FAFSA directly from the IRS.


Legal Guardianship: A relationship created by a court order through which the court appoints an individual other than the student's parent to take care of the minor.

LEU: The Lifetime Eligibility Used for the Pell grant in the form of a percentage. A student may receive no more than the equivalent of six full-time years of grant funding at full time enrollment. This percentage is prorated if you attend less than full time.


Matriculation: Indicates you have applied to and been accepted by SUNY Adirondack College Access and are pursuing a degree or certificate program. Only matriculated students can receive federal and state financial aid.

MPN: A Master Promissory Note is an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education to borrow a federal student loan; the document outlines your rights and responsibilities.


Net Cost: Net cost is the difference between the COA and the financial aid package. 

NSLDS: National Student Loan Database that contains a student's information regarding Title IV financial aid.  Login to the national student loan database to review your aid history. 


Origination fee: An administrative fee assessed by the federal government and deducted from the amount borrowed, reducing the total funds made available to the student.


Pell Grant: Federal grant awarded to students with an EFC less than $5,199 as determined by their FAFSA (prorated for three-quarter, half-time and less-than-half-time enrollment). 

PLUS Loan: A Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students is a federal loan product allowing parents to borrow up to cost of attendance less financial aid to help offset their child's education costs. This loan is credit based, and is not guaranteed. If a parent is denied a PLUS loan, contact the Financial Aid office for information about other options available.

Private Loan: Education loan programs established by private lenders to offset education costs not covered by the financial aid. Students may require a co-signer for eligibility as these loans are credit based.


Required Course: A course that is required for your SUNY Adirondack degree or certificate program. Only required coursework is eligible for financial aid. Classes that may be considered “not required” include classes taken after you have already met the requirement, multiple repeated coursework or courses that are required for your transfer program.


SAR: The Student Aid Report is a summary of the information submitted on your FAFSA.

SAP: Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the college to continue receiving federal aid.

Servicer: A loan servicer is a company that collects payments, responds to customer service inquiries and performs other tasks associated with maintaining federal student loans on behalf of a lender.  

SSB: Self Service Banner, the student portal for information about your financial aid, student account, registration, etc.

Subsidized: Federal student loans that do have the interest subsidized by the government while the student is enrolled at least half-time (six credits).  Eligibility for subsidized loans is based on demonstrated financial need.


TAP Grant: Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a New York state grant for full-time and part-time NYS residents, with a maximum award of 100 percent of tuition.

Tax Return Transcript: An official IRS document that verifies the federal tax return data submitted. A copy of the 1040 form submitted is NOT considered a tax return transcript.


Unsubsidized: Federal student loans that accrue interest while deferred. Students should always maximize any subsidized loans available before accepting unsubsidized loans.


Verification: A random selection process that is required of roughly 30 percent of students nationwide by the Department of Education. This process requires financial aid administrators to verify certain information on the FAFSA before the student is eligible for federal financial aid.

VSAC: Vermont Student Assistance Corp. is a public nonprofit agency created to help Vermonters who want to go to college or other training after high school.  


Work Study: A federal or institutional grant that allows a student to have a part-time job where they are paid bi-weekly while they are enrolled in school. While a work-study grant will appear as part of the financial aid awards, it does not get credited to the student's bill.

 

 

 

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid from the federal government and SUNY Adirondack. Completing the FAFSA will qualify you for grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.

All applications must be completed correctly and in a timely manner. The FAFSA can take up to four weeks with a printed signature page and three to five business days if a student and parent electronically sign.

The SUNY Adirondack Financial Aid office uses the FAFSA results to determine eligibility for various financial aid programs and prepares a financial aid award letter that offers an award or combination of awards to the student. The total amount of financial aid a student receives is referred to as a Financial Aid Package.

If you are a New York state resident, complete a TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application with school code 2000. There is a direct link at the end of your FAFSA application.

Direct Charges

On campus

Commuter

Out of State

Tuition

$5,328

$5,328

$7,992

Fees*

$1,200

$1,200

$1,200

Housing and food*

$14,014

N/A

$14,014

Subtotal of Direct Charges

$20,542

$6,528

$23,206

Indirect Charges

 

 

 

Books*

$1,800

$1,800

$1,800

Transportation*

$700

$1,800

$700

Personal/Miscellaneous*

$1,200

$1,200

$1,200

Subtotal of Indirect Charges

$3,700

$4,800

$3,700

Total cost of attendance

$24,242

$11,328

$26,906

*Estimated and can vary

What is cost of attendance?

To determine how much aid a student is eligible to receive, the Financial Aid office factors in costs such as tuition, fees, housing and food (includes on campus or off-campus living with parents or family), transportation, books and supplies and personal expenses. Students are awarded aid — scholarships, grants and loans — to assist in covering these charges. A student’s aid cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

What is net price?

Each year, colleges list a projected price to attend school, often called the “Published Price.” Most students, however, pay a smaller amount, referred to as “Net Price.” Net Price is determined by taking the Published Price and subtracting any gift aid, which includes grants and scholarships. The net price is different for every student.

To determine your Net Price at SUNY Adirondack, use our Net Price calculator. While the Net Price Calculator is a valuable tool, families should realize that these are estimated values only and students will receive their individual awards from the SUNY Adirondack Financial Aid Office. A student’s out-of-pocket expenses may be less than estimated from the Net Price Calculator.

 

Self Service Banner

Students can find answers to many financial aid questions through Self Service Banner. Login to Self Service Banner on a regular basis to keep track of your financial aid status.

  • Check the “Award” section to review your aid eligibility, accept offered awards and confirm that your TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application has been processed by New York state.
  • The “Requirement Tracking” tab can answer questions about the status of your FAFSA record or any outstanding requirements, including verification materials, copy of DD-214 or Social Security card) needed before the review of your application.
  • The “Financial Aid History” section will show aid received since 2007 and beyond, including your past and current loan history.
  • See how your aid is applied to your semester tuition and fee charges in the “Student Accounts” section of Banner on the “Account Detail by Term” screen.

Detailed instructions on how to use Self Service Banner

SUNY Smart Track

SUNY Smart Track is a financial literacy service that can help any SUNY student make informed financial decisions before, during and after college.

SUNY Smart Track can help you every step of the way, from the time you apply to college to after graduation. The online learning environment empowers students for a lifetime of financial success with interactive services, tools and resources on smart money management skills.

(Please note: This link will take you to an external SUNY website. SUNY Adirondack is not responsible for the content on the SUNY Smart Track site.)

 

Federal and State websites

Approximately 98 percent of financial aid applications are processed online. Here are some federal and state websites you can use to apply for financial aid:


FAFSA on the web: Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate aid year or make corrections (add a school, update income figures).


FSA ID: Short for the Federal Student Aid ID, this is used to electronically sign FAFSA, make corrections to submitted FAFSA, sign an MPN (Master Promissory Note) and check FAFSA status and aid history.


TAP on the web: Complete the Express TAP Application (ETA) online (grant program for NYS residents only).


Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) View your TAP status; change TAP college code or home address; request a duplicate Express TAP Application (ETA).


U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid: Portal to find general information on federal student aid


Completing the FAFSA: General information, overview of application process and detailed help with FAFSA application questions


Manage your direct loans: Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), view loan history and plan for future repayment or for parents to apply for a PLUS loan 


Loan entrance interview: Complete entrance counseling (required for new, first-time borrowers, recommended for all borrowers)


National Student Loan Data System: View federal loans and/or grant amounts, complete exit counseling (graduates/transfers/withdrawals), outstanding balances, loan statuses, disbursements and history

 

Is Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) the same as the college’s academic policy?

No, the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy is separate and distinct from the college’s academic policy. The Financial Aid SAP policy includes three criteria: Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or better, Credit Completion Ratio of 67 percent or better, and Maximum Time Frame of 150 percent of the program. The college’s academic policy only measures the Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or better.

Where can I view the SAP policy?

View the Financial Aid SAP policy here

What is an appeal?

An appeal is a process by which a student who is not meeting SAP standards petitions the college for reconsideration of their eligibility for financial aid funds. The appeal must include a narrative of the extenuating circumstances (e.g., the student or an immediate family member suffered a serious illness or injury, death of a close relative, separation or divorce) that prevented the student from meeting the minimum requirements, and a reasonable explanation of the expectation the event/circumstances will not reoccur. Students are required to provide pertinent documentation supporting their appeal. Furthermore, students are expected to describe their plan to succeed in their program.

What forms of documentation may be helpful to the appeal process?

You may upload doctor’s notes, divorce or separation decrees or change of employment, medical bills, police reports, accident reports or other information that explains and supports the appeal.

How do I submit my appeal?

Students may submit an appeal on or before the last day of the semester in which they are appealing. The appeal can be completed on the form notifying the student of a change in financial aid eligibility, or HERE. The form can be emailed to finaidoffice@sunyacc.edu, faxed to 518-743-2314, mailed to ATTN: Financial Aid Office, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804 or delivered in person to Warren Hall, Suite 105. 

Do I need to complete two separate appeals, one for the financial aid policy and one for the college’s academic policy?

Yes, both must be completed. Completing an appeal for one does not satisfy the requirement for the other.

I was recently readmitted. Does this policy apply when I have been out of school for a number of years?

Yes, the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy applies to all students seeking financial aid, no matter when they last attended.

I never received financial aid before, why must I submit an appeal?

All financial aid applicants are subject to the standards of the SAP Policy, regardless of whether aid was received in the past.

What is an academic plan?

This is a plan set up by the student and an advisor to ensure the student will meet the standards of SAP. Examples of an academic plan include earning certain grades to raise a cumulative GPA, not withdrawing or earning F or D grades in any coursework to raise the completion rate to 67 percent, or a combination of the two.

What is probation?

Probation is a status that a school assigns to a student who is failing to make SAP and who successfully appeals. Eligibility for aid may be reinstated for one payment period or semester. Students’ SAP will be evaluated at the end of the probationary semester to determine if they are making progress. As long as students do not earn F or D grades and do not withdraw from any classes, they can remain on probation. Students will be removed from probation once they raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better and achieve a completion rate of 67 percent or better.

How is fresh start accounted for in the SAP evaluation?

Fresh start cannot be applied; your original academic record must be taken into consideration.

What is the completion rate or ratio?

Each year, a student’s progress will be measured by comparing the number of attempted credit hours with the credit hours earned. This includes any course for which the student remained enrolled past the drop/add period. Students must earn 67 percent of the cumulative attempted credits to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

What is the maximum time frame measure?

The number of credit hours needed to complete for most undergraduate programs is 64. A student is eligible to receive funding up to 96 attempted credit hours, which is the maximum time frame measure (150 percent). Students who attempt and earn only the minimum amount of credit hours required will run out of eligibility for certain state financial aid programs before completing a degree.

How does dropping a class or withdrawing from all classes during a term affect SAP?

Dropping a course or withdrawing from all courses after the end of the 100 percent refund period will result in a W grade on a student's transcript for that term. This will negatively affect the student's credit completion rate (67 percent rule). Students are always encouraged to speak with an academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office before dropping a course or withdrawing from all classes.

How often will I be evaluated for SAP?

SAP evaluation occurs after each semester. Students on probation will have their SAP evaluated at the end of the probationary semester to determine if they are making progress.

Can my parents get a PLUS loan if I am not meeting SAP standards?

Students not meeting SAP standards are not eligible for federal (and possibly) state aid. A PLUS loan is a federal loan, therefore, a student would not be eligible for a federal PLUS loan or the Federal Direct Student Loan. In addition, students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study or the Federal SEOG Grant. To apply for alternative/private loans, students should conduct their own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. 

How can I regain aid if my appeal is denied?

A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum GPA requirement and a 67 percent completion rate within the 150 percent timeframe.

 

 

Sometimes the information you provide on the FAFSA no longer accurately reflects your financial situation. There are certain circumstances in which financial aid professionals at SUNY Adirondack can review and update your FAFSA. This review of special circumstances is called a Professional Judgment.

A financial aid Professional Judgment is a way for students to explain changes to income, life circumstances, or unusual expenses not reflected on the FAFSA to see if it may result in a change to their federal aid eligibility. Typically special circumstances that are considered under this process are unusual and must be thoroughly documented. Visit here to determine if a financial aid professional judgment will benefit you.