Grants

Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid — free money that does not need to be repaid. At OCC, you may receive aid from federal, state, or institutional sources. Eligibility is determined annually after you submit required applications and documentation.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a form of financial aid awarded to undergraduate students with significant financial need. It is designed to help those with the greatest financial need cover college expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and depends on factors like family income, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. For the 2025–2026 academic year, awards range from $740 to $7,395.

Students may qualify even if they are enrolled less than half-time, though award amounts may be adjusted based on enrollment status.  

To continue receiving Pell Grant funding, students must submit the FAFSA every year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal grant program that helps undergraduate students with the highest financial need pay for college. Unlike loans, these funds do not need to be repaid.

FSEOG awards are given through participating colleges and universities, with priority going to students who also receive a Federal Pell Grant. The annual award amount generally ranges from $100 to $4,000, depending on financial need, the availability of funds at the school, and other aid the student receives.

Because funding is limited and distributed directly by each school, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early each year for the best chance of receiving this grant.

New York State Grants  

New York offers several grant and scholarship programs to help eligible state residents reduce the cost of college. Below is a summary of the main programs, who qualifies, and how to apply.

TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)

New York State residents planning to attend OCC should apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). TAP provides grant funding to eligible students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours per semester in an approved degree program.

PartTime TAP for NonDegree / Workforce Programs

Part-time TAP is available to part-time students, taking 1-11 credits who are enrolled at eligible non-degree workforce credential programs at participating SUNY schools.

DREAM Act & State-Administered Grants for Undocumented Students 

The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives undocumented and other students access to New York State‐administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education costs.

The DREAM Act opens the doors of higher education to thousands of students, providing access to the new Excelsior Scholarship, the Tuition Assistance Program, as well as other state‐administered scholarships that were not previously available to them.

For additional information and to apply, visit NYS DREAM Act. 

Other NYS Aid

New York State provides a range of grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs. For full eligibility details and application instructions, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.