Financial Aid and Scholarships
How financial aid works
Most students use financial aid to help make º£½ÇÉçÇø more affordable. The process usually follows three simple steps:
Complete your applications
Fill out the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid, and submit a TAP application if you are eligible for New York state aid. These forms are the starting point for most grants, loans and campus‑based programs.
Review your award and documents
Once your applications are processed, you’ll receive a financial aid offer that outlines the grants, scholarships, loans and work‑study for which you might qualify. Read it carefully and respond to any requests from º£½ÇÉçÇø for additional forms or verification.
Finalize your plan and pay your bill
Work with the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office to confirm your aid, choose whether to accept loans, and set up a payment plan if needed. Together, you’ll create a clear plan for how your tuition and fees will be covered before the semester begins.
Explore your financial aid options
Grants: Federal and New York State grants can help eligible students pay for college and generally do not have to be repaid.
Scholarships: º£½ÇÉçÇø and outside scholarships can reduce your costs without adding to what you need to repay. Each award has its own eligibility requirements.
Work-Study: Eligible students can earn wages through part-time campus jobs. Work-Study pay comes through a paycheck rather than automatically reducing your bill.
Loans: Student and parent loans can help cover remaining costs, but borrowed money must be repaid, usually with interest.
PLEASE NOTE: Changes were made to the Direct Loan program for the 2026-27 academic year.
Ready to plan how you’ll pay for college at º£½ÇÉçÇø?
Start with the financial aid application steps, find a form you’ve been asked to submit, or contact the Financial Aid Office for help choosing your next step.
Apply for financial aid View financial aid forms Contact Financial Aid
SUNY Reconnect
Adult learners ages 25–55 might qualify for SUNY Reconnect, which covers tuition, mandatory fees, books and required supplies after federal and state aid is applied. If you are returning to college and do not yet have a degree, start with our SUNY Reconnect page to see if you qualify.
Students from mixed-status families are now eligible to . Learn more and start the process at the NYS alternative application for financial aid, or contact the º£½ÇÉçÇø Financial Aid Office to discuss your options and get help with next steps.
Making education affordable
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Applying for financial aid at º£½ÇÉçÇø
Apply early for the academic year you plan to attend. º£½ÇÉçÇø recommends filing by June 1 for fall or December 1 for spring so there is time to process your aid before the bill is due. These are priority filing dates, not the final dates to apply. Check for the FAFSA form that matches your start term; its opening date can change from year to year.studentaid+1
Apply to º£½ÇÉçÇø. . Your program and enrollment affect which aid you may be eligible to receive.
Complete the FAFSA. for the correct academic year using º£½ÇÉçÇø’s federal school code, 002860. Submit a new FAFSA each academic year you want to be considered for federal aid.
Apply for New York State aid, if eligible. Complete the using º£½ÇÉçÇø’s TAP school code, 2000. Eligible part-time students may qualify for . If the FAFSA is not the right route for your circumstances, ask Financial Aid about .
Check your aid status. Sign in to and watch for messages requesting additional information. Submit any financial aid forms º£½ÇÉçÇø asks for, then review your aid offer and decide whether to accept any offered loans.
Review your bill. Compare your aid with your tuition and other charges before classes begin. If something is missing or you need to discuss payment options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaidoffice@sunyacc.edu or 518-743-2223.
Questions about your situation?
Can adult learners get financial aid? Yes. Eligible adult and returning students can apply for financial aid. New Yorkers ages 25–55 who meet additional requirements may also qualify for SUNY Reconnect at º£½ÇÉçÇø in an approved associate degree program.
What if I’m from a mixed-status family? Having a required FAFSA contributor without a Social Security number does not automatically prevent an eligible student from filing the FAFSA. See . Some students may instead qualify to apply for New York State aid through its , which does not provide federal aid. The Financial Aid Office can help you consider your options.
What if I need help? by Zoom, phone or in person, or contact the office if you’re unsure which application or form to complete.
Debt-free education
It's really the financial freedom you have that is unexplainable. I am like THE advocate for community colleges and SUNY schools."