This publication provides basic information on federal student aid to help you pay for college or career school.

Read about the types of financial aid available from the government and other sources: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Learn about exploring careers, choosing and applying to schools, and taking required tests. Use checklists to help get ready.

Federal site for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form required by virtually all colleges and universities. Site available after January 1 for upcoming award year. Applicants can file initial application, renewal application (for future years), make corrections, add or delete colleges to receive applications, check on filing status.

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.

New York State website administered by New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, our grant and loan agency. Provides a wealth of information on New York State aid programs, as well as links to other sites. Many student loan borrowers will use this site to sign their promissory notes.

A comprehensive financial aid website that provides various financial aid calculators. To calculate EFC, click ‘calculations’ from home page, then select ‘Expected Family Contribution and Financial Aid Calculator.’ Has info on federal and state aid programs, savings plans, and answers frequently asked questions about topics such as the family contribution formula, divorce, changes in circumstance, and more.

National site where students undergo entrance counseling prior to loan borrowing. Includes information on planning for a career, selecting a college, and financial aid.