Alternate Eligibility Path

This application is designed for students who are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, but at least one of the student’s family members who is a required FAFSA contributor is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
students studying

New York State recognizes the concerns around the sensitivity of personal information students whose family members have a different immigration status may face when deciding whether or not to complete the FAFSA.

To address these concerns, we have developed an alternate path for students to apply for state-funded financial aid, ensuring a secure, accessible, and equitable process that protects the privacy of personal information while providing support to those in need.

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What to know

  • There are three pathways to access NYS financial aid available to students: the FAFSA, the NYS DREAM Act, or an Alternate Eligibility Pathway. 
  • Use the HESC prescreening tool to help you and your family determine the best path for your situation. This tool will guide you through a series of questions to identify the most appropriate option for applying for New York State financial aid.

Key Points to Consider

Students using this path may qualify for many New York State grants and scholarships, but are not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship or Enhanced Tuition Award.

Students that choose to use the alternate path instead of filling out the FAFSA, will not be eligible to get federal aid such as Pell Grants, Work-Study or federal student loans.

This is not a financial aid program but an alternate eligibility pathway for U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who prefer not to complete the FAFSA to apply for New York State financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are three pathways to access NYS financial aid available to students: through the FAFSA, the NYS DREAM Act, or the alternate eligibility pathway. Use the HESC prescreening tool to help you and your family determine the best path for your situation. This tool will guide you through a series of questions to identify the most appropriate option for applying for New York State financial aid.

Students using this path may be eligible for many New York State grant and scholarship programs. However, students are not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship or Enhanced Tuition Award through this application, due to statutory requirements. Students eligible for federal aid must complete the FAFSA and NYS TAP application to be considered for those programs.

Only limited data is stored. Instead of Social Security numbers, a unique Student ID is used. Full mailing addresses are not required—only city, state, and ZIP code.

Resources

Path Determination Guide - Learn what each statement means so that students select the right statement and fill out the correct alternate application.

Alternate Path Quick Tips - 5 things that students should know when filling out the Alternate Path application.

Alternate Eligibility Application Guide - This step-by-step guide takes you through the Alternate Pathway eligibility application form from start to finish. It contains key points to consider when filling out the application and provides avenues for students to get help should they need it.

How To Change Information - A step-by-step guide will help students who need to make changes to the TAP application through the DREAM Act Portal.

Additional Information

Have Questions? HESC Has Events That Can Help.

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