Financial Aid

Office of Financial Aid
800-859-4413
315-859-4962 (fax)

Additional Resources

College Nights - Financial Aid Basics and Helpful Material

 

Basic Information

Keep the following things in mind when applying for financial aid:

  • Federal Student Aid is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
  • Apply for Federal Student Aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Be sure you understand how your financial situation is viewed by colleges
  • Understand the financial aid policies
  • Apply for financial aid each year
  • Apply early – know the deadlines
  • Know what you need to submit and when
  • Keep a copy of all materials that you submit
  • Record date, time, name of person spoken with for all telephone calls
  • If you use estimated tax data to apply for aid initially, be prepared to provide actual
    numbers after your taxes are complete
  • Understand the real cost
  • Payment Plan options
  • Practical Financing – Payment Plan and Loan combination
  • Ask questions of the Financial Aid Office staff
  • Understand your responsibility

 

Brochures

Note: PDFs require Adobe Acrobat Reader

Direct Loan Basics for Students

Direct Loan PLUS Basics for Parents

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling Guide

Direct Loan Exit Counseling Guide

Do You Need Money For College?

Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Brochure

Funding Education Beyond High School

Student Aid Quick Reference Sheet

Higher Education Tax Benefits Guide

 

Additional Resources

Hamilton College's list of Helpful Links

Institute of Education Sciences & National Center for Education Statistics's College Navigator

U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid's Glossary

CollegeBoard's 10 Things You Must Know About Financial Aid

American Council on Education & Lumina Foundation for Education's KnowHow2GO

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