Vol. 1, No. 5, October 2020

Whether your 2020-21 school year began with remote, in-person or hybrid courses, we hope your year has had a successful start.

While the coronavirus’ economic impact caused us to alter our traditional financial aid processing, we’re pleased to report that students are now receiving award notification for Fall 2020 in their HESC student account. Your college will soon defer your tuition charges in the amount of your award.

Need to Confirm Your Citizenship Status?
Did you recently receive a notification in your HESC account requesting that you update your citizenship information on your FAFSA or provide additional documentation to HESC to confirm your status as a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen?  

If you have received this notification, please take action as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your awards. If you graduated from a NYS high school or have a NYS-issued high school equivalency diploma and have a T-Visa, U-Visa, TPS, DACA status, are a non-NYS-resident U.S. citizen or reside in NYS without lawful status, learn if you may be eligible for State financial aid under the NYS DREAM Act.

Check your HESC account for updates.

Current and Former Foster Youth: Extra Assistance is Available
Did you know that students in foster care can receive additional support for housing and meals when they are in college? The NYS Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) provides additional support services and funding to help meet the costs of college for eligible students.

FYCSI funding can be used to support your cost of attending college, including housing and meals. To qualify for these funds, you must be enrolled in a State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY) or a private college institution in the state of New York with a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

To receive FYCSI funding, complete the consent form here.

You can learn more about the program here.

For general questions about HESC programs, you can find program fact sheets, including FAQs, on our website. Chances are you’ll find all the general information you need!

For questions about impacts of the pandemic on the Spring 2020 semester, you can check out our COVID-related FAQs.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., (excluding holidays).  To view available dates/times, go to your preferred appointment date and click the ‘reserve’ button and click on the drop down under ‘requested time’. 

Be sure to check your emails for notifications about your Excelsior or Enhanced Tuition Awards. Your award eligibility will be updated in your student account.

If you are determined to be eligible for an award, you must sign your Award Contract to accept the award. By signing the Contract, you agree to reside in NYS after college for the length of time you receive the award and, if employed during that time, be employed in NYS.
Your college will only be notified of your award after HESC receives your signed contract!

Received an Award Last Year? Don’t forget to complete your payment application
All continuing students who received an Excelsior or Enhanced Tuition Award in 2019-20 year must complete a NYS Student Aid Payment application for 2020-21 to receive an award payment for the current year.

If you have not already done so, please complete your 2020-21 NYS Student Aid Payment application - here.