Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment. The FAFSA application must be filed in order to be considered for the grants listed below. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need and/or academic achievement. Students must maintain good academic standing to remain eligible for grants awarded by New York State and the federal government.
Grants Provided by the Federal Government
Federal Pell Grant
Students must be enrolled for at least 3 credit hours and demonstrate eligibility according to federal guidelines. Students who hold a bachelor's degree are ineligible. Amounts range from $976 to $5350 (subject to federal legislation and appropriations). To apply, complete and submit the FAFSA application at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
First year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and who successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, enrolled at least half-time in a degree program, and eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Amount per year: Freshman year: $750. Sophomore year: $1,300 with a Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of at least 3.0. Where/How to apply: Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
You must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and have the lowest expected family contribution. Students who hold a bachelor's degree are ineligible. Yearly awards are from $100 to $4,000 depending upon need and funds availability. To apply, complete and submit the FAFSA application at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
United States Bureau of Indian Affairs Aid to Native Americans
Higher Education Assistance Program
Applicants must be at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut; be enrolled in an approved institution and approved program of study, and have financial need. Awards are contingent upon funds available and are based on financial need. Applications, which must be filed for each semester of study, may be obtained from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. You must also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Grants Provided by New York State
New York State grants are dependent upon state legislation and appropriations.
To be considered, you must meet the following regulations:
- Maintain good academic standing
- Meet one of the United States citizenship requirements
- Meet New York State residency requirements
- Enroll in and remain in an approved program of study (matriculated)
- May not be in default on any student loan guaranteed by NYSHESC
- May not exceed the income limitations established for the program
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
New York State residents who are full-time students at any accredited college in New York State may qualify for TAP. Students must maintain Good Academic Standing. Grants range from $100 to full tuition charge, depending on income and New York State funding. After filing the FAFSA, go directly to the New York State TAP website at www.tapweb.org to apply for TAP.
Part-time TAP
Effective for the 2007-2008 academic year, students who were first-time TAP recipients during 2006-07 and have accumulated a minimum total of 24 credits earned consecutively in the preceeding two semesters, and are enrolled for 6-11 credits per semester, may qualify for a part-time TAP award.
Aid for Part-time Study
New York state residents who are enrolled for 6 to 11.5 credit hours at participating institutions are eligible for part-time study aid. Students enrolled with less than 6 credits may be considered if funds permit. Information about additional criteria may be obtained from the Financial Aid office. Grant amount varies depending upon enrollment status and other aid. Award may not exceed cost of tuition. Applicants must complete the FASFA to initiate an APTS application.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Any disabled person, with a substantial employment handicap, who can become employable within a reasonable period of time, may be eligible. Clients are asked to share the expense, based upon state standards, of some college expenses and other services. Disabled persons may obtain information locally from: New York state Office of Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), State Office Building, Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13201 (phone: 315.428.4179). Persons with visual disabilities should contact the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, State Office Building, Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13201 (phone: 315.473.8417).
New York State Aid to Native Americans
To qualify, applicant must be on an official tribal roll of a New York State tribe, or the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe; be a resident of New York State; be enrolled in an approved program. Must maintain good academic standing. Grant amount is $1,350 per year for a maximum of four years of full-time study. Applications may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Albany, NY 12230.
Worker Adjustment Act (WAA) Individual Tuition Assistance Program
To be eligible, a student must be certified and enrolled as a dislocated worker and be accepted in an educational program offered by a provider approved by the State Education Department. Generally, the yearly benefit equals the total cost of tuition. Apply at the County Offices of Employment and Training Services, or the New York State Department of Labor's Grant Management Bureau, State Campus, Building 12, Albany, NY 12240.
Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Awards
State residents matriculated in a degree program and taking at least six credit hours at any NYS accredited college are eligible. Applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Persian Gulf hostilities between 8/2/90 and 11/30/95 as evidenced by receipt of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, OR on or after 3/19/03 as evidenced by eligibility for or receipt of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Yearly benefit for part-time study (3 - 11 credit hours/semester) is $500 or tuition cost, whichever is less. Yearly benefit for full-time study (12 or more credits/semester) is $1,000 or tuition cost, whichever is less. If a TAP award is also received, the combined award cannot exceed tuition.
Applications are available through the OCC Office of Veterans' Affairs or NYS Higher Education Services Corporation. Documentation must be submitted with application. Must establish eligibility by applying to HESC on or before 9/1/06. Must also file the FAFSA and an Express TAP Application (ETA).
Additional Grants Provided by New York State
Specific program and application information is available at www.hesc.org
- AmeriCorps Education Award
- Child of Veteran Memorial Scholarship
- Memorial Scholarships
- Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS)
- NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
- NYS Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship
- Regents Health Care Opportunity
- Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
- Vietnam Veterans Tuition Awards
- World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
Contact
Student Central
Gordon Student Center, Atrium campus map
Hours: Check hours
Telephone: 315 498-2291
e-mail: StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu
