Cortland Financial Aid Options?

I'm really interested in attending SUNY Cortland but I'm worried about the cost. What kinds of financial aid options are available? Are there any scholarships or grants that I should be aware of? Any help would be appreciated!

SUNY Cortland offers a variety of financial aid options to help make your education more affordable. The first step you should take is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study, and loans. You can submit the FAFSA starting on October 1st, and it's a good idea to complete it as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid opportunities.

SUNY Cortland offers several scholarship and grant opportunities. Some of these are merit-based, while others are need-based or targeted towards specific groups of students. A few notable scholarships and grants include:

1. SUNY Cortland Merit Scholarships: These are awarded to incoming freshmen based on their high school academic achievement. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically considered for these scholarships, so no separate application is required.

2. SUNY Cortland Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships have varying eligibility criteria and application requirements. To apply, you'll need to complete the Foundation Scholarship Application, which becomes available in November on the school's website.

3. New York State Excelsior Scholarship: If you're a New York state resident, you may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which can cover the cost of tuition for eligible students attending a SUNY school, provided certain income and credit requirements are met. This scholarship requires a separate application but it can significantly reduce your tuition costs.

4. New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): This is a need-based grant for New York state residents attending college in the state. You'll need to complete a separate TAP application after submitting the FAFSA.

5. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): This program provides academic and financial support to students from low-income backgrounds who show academic potential but may not have had access to the same resources as other students. In addition to financial assistance, EOP offers academic support and advising services. You can apply for EOP through the SUNY application.

Keep in mind that there may be other scholarships and grants available through external organizations or from your local community. Make sure to explore those opportunities, too, and reach out to SUNY Cortland's financial aid office if you have any questions or need guidance throughout the financial aid process.