Alternate Pathways to NYS Financial Aid

Seminar

multicultural students studying in the library

This seminar will explain the eligibility application process for the NYS DREAM Act and the Alternate Eligibility pathway. We will discuss which students need to apply through the NYS DREAM Act, which students can apply through an alternative path, how to access the TAP application, and how to fill out the TAP application. We will also discuss common mistakes and what aid each population is eligible for. 

Seminar Video  Download Presentation

 

Resources

DREAM Act Application Guide - A step-by-step guide to help students navigate the NYS DREAM Act Eligibility Application.

Alternate Pathway Eligibility 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.

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

Video Tutorial

  • DREAM Act Walkthrough At a Glance

  • Alternate Eligibility Application Walkthrough (coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

There are three pathways through which students may access New York State financial aid: the FAFSA, the NYS DREAM Act, or the alternate eligibility pathway. The HESC prescreening tool is designed to assist students and their families determine the most appropriate path for their situation. The tool presents a series of statements to guide users to the correct application option

This is not a financial aid program itself, but an alternative path for eligible students—U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens—who opt not to complete the FAFSA due to privacy concerns but still wish to apply for New York State financial aid. This path is separate from the NYS DREAM Act. 

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

Have questions or would like to discuss FAFSA Ready?

Contact us at [email protected].

New York State Higher Education

Services Corporation

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Albany, NY 12255

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