Student Financial Aid Opportunities
Financial Aid Program Reminders:
- NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program – Deadline August 15, 2026
- Excelsior Scholarship Program – Deadline August 31, 2026
- Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) – Deadline August 31, 2026
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)– Deadline June 30, 2027 (2026-27 Academic Year)
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) – Deadline June 30, 2027 (2026-27 Academic Year)
Mark Your Calendars
HESC has expert-led, upcoming virtual events to help students navigate college financial aid with confidence:
- Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program
- July 7 – 6:00p
- Pursuing a career in STEM? Find out how eligible students can receive tuition support for college.
- Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Path Applications
- Tuition-Free College with Excelsior!
- July 15 – 6:00p
- Learn how the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award can help cover your tuition.
Have Questions? Call HESC!
Call HESC directly at 1-888-697-4372 for anything from financial aid assistance to resolving issues like a HESCPIN account reset; no appointment necessary.
Important: To protect student privacy, HESC can only share information with a parent or guardian if they’re listed on the application or the student is present.
Visit the HESC website for more information.
HESC Text Alerts
Sign up for HESC Text alerts to receive timely financial aid information, including application openings and deadlines.
Veterans & Active Duty Servicemembers:
Starting in Fall 2026, all SUNY colleges will offer undergraduate tuition at or below the Federal Military Tuition Assistance cap for active-duty military, national guard and reserve members? Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at SUNY will also help you save time and money by awarding college credit for demonstrated knowledge gained outside of the classroom (Credit for Prior Learning), including military education and training.
Learn more about benefits for military and veteran students here
Check out how your military courses and training may lead to academic credit here
Learn more about the expanding Empire State Service Corps initiative!
The Empire State Service Corps is part of SUNY's ongoing efforts to support New Yorkers in need and promote paid civics and service opportunities for SUNY students.
Selected SUNY students engage in paid public service work for 300 hours over the course of an academic year. Students are placed in a cohort aligned with their interest areas and will serve at either an on-campus or community-based host site. This opportunity allows students to be paid for meaningful work that can provide lifelong skills!
How will you make a difference in your community?
Cohorts include, but are not limited too: civic engagement, education, environmental stewardship, veterans & military family outreach, and more!
Learn more about the Empire State Service Corps program here.