Welcome to New York State FAFSA Ready—your one-stop hub for understanding the 2024-25 FAFSA.

College financial aid starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step in determining your eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. It's also used to determine many state and institutional financial aid programs, including the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Filling out the FAFSA application is easier than you think, and it's completely free! Whether you're a high school senior or an adult learner heading back to college, HESC has the tools and resources to help you complete the FAFSA and secure the financial assistance you need for your education.

If you don’t submit a FAFSA, you could miss out on free money and low-cost federal loans for school. Last year, students in New York left over $225M of unclaimed federal financial aid on the table because they didn’t apply for the FAFSA.

Students who do not meet residency requirements may be eligible for TAP through the New York State DREAM Act.