Published
2027-28 FAFSA Form Now Open!
The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now open! Students who submit their applications early help to maximize their financial aid opportunities for college.
What they’ll need to do:
- Gather all necessary documents and create a StudentAid.gov Account.
- Complete their FAFSA application.
Why apply early?
- Students will know their aid eligibility sooner.
- Gives students time to correct unexpected errors or delays.
- Colleges use this information to build students' financial aid packages.
Help Your Students with Their College Applications!
Registration for New York State’s 2026 College Application Initiative (CAI) closes on September 30.
Register your school today to receive free resources and planning tools when it comes to navigating the college application process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help your students reach their college goals!
FAFSA Ready Training (FRT) for High School Counselors
To support your students, HESC offers the NYS FAFSA Ready Training (FRT) program for counselors and financial aid professionals, providing tools and expert-led sessions to simplify the process. Live and recorded sessions are available. Be sure to register for any of the following training sessions offered in October:
- Support Students Through Their FAFSA: 10/6 & 10/20 at 12:30p
- TAP Common Errors and How to Fix Them: 10/7 & 10/22 at 9:30a
- Alternate Pathways to NYS Financial Aid: 10/14 at 10a
- How to Help Students with Special Circumstances: 10/29 at 9:30a
- Virtual Drop-In Lounge: 10/14 & 10/28 at 1p
NYS STEM Incentive Program Applications Open October 1
Applications for the 2027–28 NYS STEM Incentive Program open October 1. Eligible students must rank in the top 10% of their New York State high school graduating class and must apply during their senior year of high school.
The program provides a full-tuition scholarship for eligible students pursuing an approved STEM degree at a SUNY or CUNY college. Students may not receive both the NYS STEM Incentive Program award and the Excelsior Scholarship, as both provide full-tuition benefits.
To remain eligible for an award, students must complete the FAFSA and TAP applications each year.
- Application deadline: August 15, 2027
For complete eligibility requirements and additional information, visit hesc.ny.gov/stem.
Upcoming Virtual Events for Parents and Students:
- Not eligible for FAFSA? Get support with other NYS financial aid applications: 10/5 at 5p, 10/21 at 12p
- Creating Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account:10/27 at 4p
- Cómo crear su cuenta StudentAid.gov (La credencial FSA ID):10/15 at 4p:
- HESC/CUNY FAFSA/TAP Completion Event:10/06,10/20 at 4p
👉View full list of upcoming HESC events.
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