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Federal and State Financial Aid Programs

In order to be considered for federal student financial aid programs, you must meet the federal student aid eligibility rules and complete an on-line application. Simply follow the easy steps on the How to Apply for Financial Aid page. If you need any help or have questions about the application process, you can Schedule an Advisement with a financial aid advisor.

The federal and state student financial aid programs available at SUNY Upstate Medical University are as follows: (The name of each program is a link to the U.S. Department of Education or appropriate New York State website for the specific program. The sites contain the most current and detailed information available.)

Pell Grant provides grant aid money to assist students who have not already received a Bachelor’s Degree.

SEOG Grant is a campus-based grant program available to students who are Pell eligible. Campus based programs have limited funding so it is crucial to pay attention to the FAFSA deadline date to ensure maximum availability.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant provides grant money to undergraduate students who are not Pell-eligible, whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, and who, at the time of the parent or guardian's death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part time at an institution of higher education.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a loan* available to undergraduate students with financial need as determined by FAFSA. The federal “subsidy” includes the elimination of interest while the student is in school and a reduction of the interest rate during repayment. The loan amount is based on grade level, dependency status and financial need.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a loan* available to undergraduate and graduate students which does not require you to demonstrate financial need. Interest accrues (accumulates) on the loan from the time it is first disbursed (paid out). You can still pay the interest while you are in school, during grace periods and deferment periods. If you choose not to pay the interest, it will be added to your loan balance and interest will accrue on the higher principal loan amount. The loan amount is based on grade level and dependency status.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit approved loan* available to graduate students. Students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan is a credit approved loan* available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. A parent may borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.

Excelsior Scholarship The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students. The program will be phased in over three years, beginning in Fall 2017. It would first apply to families who earn $100,000 or less, then to those who earn $110,000 or less in 2018, and eventually reaching $125,000 or less in 2019.

Primary Care Loans is a program that provides long-term, low interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students to pursue a degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine. Additional information may also be obtained from SUNY SLSC or by contacting the SUNY Upstate Medical University financial aid office.

Federal Work Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program - TAP is New York's largest grant program and helps eligible undergraduate students who are New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions pay for tuition. TAP grants are based on the applicant’s and his or her family’s New York State net taxable income.

Educational Opportunity Program – EOP Students are eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided they have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at their previous college. Students should inquire with the Director of Multicultural Recruitment and EOP for further information about this program.

* A loan is a financial obligation that must be re-paid in the future through monthly payments, including interest. It is very important to know and understand the terms of a loan before signing a promissory note and entering a loan obligation. The terms of a loan include interest rate, repayment schedule, and borrower rights and responsibilities.

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