Student Update - February 2026

Published February 02, 2026

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Planning for College Starts with You

Stay on Top of Your Financial Aid
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to submit your:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Don’t let small application mistakes delay your financial aid! Missing signatures, incorrect income details, or incomplete information can slow the process, so be sure to log in to your FAFSA and TAP regularly, review your applications, and correct any errors promptly to keep things moving smoothly.

Attend a SUNY or CUNY school tuition-free!
If you’re starting college in spring 2026, or if you’re already enrolled and missed the fall Excelsior application, you may still qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges through the Excelsior Scholarship.

The deadline for applying is February 3, 2026.

February Events
HESC is hosting more than a dozen virtual events to assist you in completing critical college and financial aid applications:    

Recurring Events: 

• Senior Year: Navigating College Financial Aid - February 4, 25 at 6:00 pm  
• Explorandola Ayuda Financiera Universitaria para Estudiantes de Último Año de Secundaria - February 12 at 6:00 pm
• Creating Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account - February 3 at 4:00 pm
• Como crear su cuenta StudentAid.gov (La credencial FSA ID) - February 5 at 4:00 pm
• Virtual Drop-In Lounge - January 14, 21, 28 at 1:00 pm 
• Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Pathway Application -  February 2 at 5:00 - 6:30 pm and February 11 at 12:00 -1:30 pm         

Get Help Applying:  

• Complete your FAFSA/TAP with HESC! February 10 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm & February 24 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm       

Planning for College:    

• Financial Aid Help for Unique Situations - February 11 at 6:00 pm 
• Financial Aid Opportunities for Foster Care Youth - February 26 at 6:00 pm   

NYS Financial Aid Spotlights:   

• Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program - February 3 at 6:00 pm      

View all HESC events

HESC Text Alerts
Sign up for HESC Text alerts and get deadline reminders and tips right to your phone.   

Have Questions? HESC Can Help!
If you have questions or need assistance, please visit hesc.ny.gov/gethelp.