Financial Aid in New York (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, New York's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
New York FAFSA deadline for state aid
June 30, 2027 (TAP applications are accepted through the end of the school year).
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
New York grant programs
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
New York's main need-based grant, up to several thousand dollars a year at in-state schools.
Excelsior Scholarship
Covers remaining tuition at SUNY and CUNY for resident families earning up to $125,000.
Administered by NYS Higher Education Services Corporation. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for New York students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches New Yorkstudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in New York?
For 2026–27 state aid: June 30, 2027 (TAP applications are accepted through the end of the school year). The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does New York offer?
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): New York's main need-based grant, up to several thousand dollars a year at in-state schools. Excelsior Scholarship: Covers remaining tuition at SUNY and CUNY for resident families earning up to $125,000. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a New York resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in New York?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how NYS Higher Education Services Corporation determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.