Find Aid You Need

boy searching for financial aid on laptop

Whether you’re taking your first steps toward a college degree or you’re a parent planning for your child's educational future, HESC is here to help you understand the paths to financial support to make higher education accessible and affordable.

The right financial support can help bridge the gap between ambition and achievement. Start your journey here with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about financing your education in New York State.

Have you filled out your FAFSA?

The Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in helping you find money to help pay for college. If you are a high school senior and haven’t submitted your FAFSA yet, start now and take advantage of the opportunities that the FAFSA can provide.

Money You Don’t Have to Pay Back

NYS Grants & Scholarships

Find money from the state based on need, merit, or other qualifications.

NYS Loan Forgiveness Programs

Already a college graduate? Find out if you qualify through career, service, or need for student loan debt relief.

  • 5 Things to Know About TAP

  • Excelsior Scholarship - What to Know

Other Sources of Financial Aid

In addition to programs available for New York State residents and/or their dependents, you may be eligible for federal grants, work-study, and loan forgiveness programs that can also help you pay for college.  

Federal Grants may be awarded based on financial need, as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and do not need to be repaid. Additional federal grants may be awarded based on intent to teach in a school that serves low-income families or students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.  

Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment options for students with financial need. 

Federal Loan Forgiveness programs may forgive or cancel the balance of your education loans in exchange for performing a qualifying service for a defined period of time. 

To learn the details, including tax implications and other qualifying factors involved in the above financial aid programs, visit our Federal Grants & Work Study page.

Colleges may provide institutional grants and scholarships to help families afford college. Keep the following in mind: 

  • Fill in your FAFSA every year. Institutions evaluate financial aid applications each year using the FAFSA as well as other documents.  
  • Know your award type. Depending on the type of school, financial awards may be based on academic merit, artistic or athletic talent, financial need, or other factors.  
  • Check the school website. Each college's financial aid website provides information about institutional grants and scholarships. 

Private scholarships provide funding for students who meet the requirements specified by the organization providing the funds.  

What you need to know about private scholarships: 

  1. You can apply for as many private scholarships as you want.  
  2. There is usually a separate application process for private scholarships.  
  3. Private scholarships may have an impact on your overall financial aid package.  
  4. Local organizations or businesses may offer scholarships to students who plan to study at a regional college or who plan to pursue a degree in a particular field of study. Check with your High School Guidance Counselor for details about local and regional scholarships. 

Search private scholarships: 

Student Loans

Get smart about borrowing. Learn the difference between government and private loans and more.

Special Groups

New York State Higher Education

Services Corporation

99 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12255

© Higher Education Services Corporation