Apply for Aid

Completing the FAFSA and TAP applications are the first steps in accessing federal and state financial aid. Use the button below to get started, and visit the FASC if you need help with the application.

OCC School Codes:

• Federal (FAFSA): 002875
• State (TAP): 2185

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Follow these 6 steps to stay organized, avoid delays, and make the most of your financial aid opportunities.

1 - Complete the FAFSA

Create FSA IDs (Student and Contributors)

Before completing the FAFSA, both the student and any required Contributors (such as a parent for dependent students) must each create their own FSA ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id. Students must have a Social Security Number and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. All FSA IDs should be created 1–3 business days in advance to avoid processing delays.

Complete the FAFSA (Student and Contributor)

The student completes all sections of the FAFSA, including inviting the required Contributor (parent/guardian) using their full name, date of birth, email address, and Social Security Number if they have one. The student must sign and submit their portion for processing and include the Federal school code 002875. The Contributor then logs in with their FSA ID to accept the invitation, complete their portion, and sign and submit it. The FAFSA is not complete until both the student and the Contributor have submitted their required sections.

Apply for Federal Aid

2 - Apply for New York State Aid

If you missed the opportunity to complete a TAP application at the end of the FAFSA online process, you may complete TAP on the Web now.

If you completed your TAP application at the end of the FAFSA online process, review your TAP status and make corrections electronically at My HESC Account Access. Check your school code and make sure your TAP grant is scheduled to come to SUNY Onondaga Community College (TAP school code 2185).

Students are eligible for New York State aid if they are legal residents of the state, have lived in New York for 12 consecutive months, and hold a U.S. high school diploma, GED, or have passed the ATB exam.

Apply for State Aid

3 - Apply for OCC Foundation Scholarships 

Apply at sunyocc.academicworks.com to access the many institutional scholarships OCC offers, and complete the General Application to be automatically considered for multiple awards. Be sure to check your MyOCC account for updates on your application status.

4 - Understand Your Financial Aid Award Letter

You will receive an email when your Financial Aid Award Letter is available to view in MyOCC. Your Financial Aid Package may not cover the full cost; you may still have a balance due after aid is applied.  

Costs – Financial Aid = Amount You Must Pay

Types of aid may include:  

• Grants – free money
• Scholarships – free money
• Loans – borrowed money
• Work Study – earned money

5 - Accept Your Aid

Accepting Loans

• Loan offers are available in MyOCC for review and optional acceptance.  
• Loans will not apply automatically; you must accept them and complete requirements.  
• Complete both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at to officially accept your loans.  

Federal Work Study (Optional)

• Interested in working on campus?
• If awarded, accept your Work Study award in MyOCC.

6 - Finalize Your Bill

• Submit your Certificate of Residency if you live in NYS but outside Onondaga County (expires after one year).
• Sign into MyOCC and check your OCC email daily.
• Review your account to see your balance, make payments or set up a Nelnet Payment Plan, and enroll in Direct Deposit for refunds. 

Download the In-Depth Guide

If you’d like the same steps above with more detail and explanations, download our complete 12-step financial aid guide.

Download the 12-Step Guide (PDF)