Frequently Asked questions

1. What is Cost of attendance (COA)?

Is the figure provided by colleges and/or college financial offices that estimates the total costs of attending that particular school for a period of one year. For more information, please visit CUNYfirst Cost of Attendance.

How to view my Cost of Attendance (COA) for an award year?

  1. Login to CUNYfirst
  2. Select "Student Center"
  3. Select "Financial Aid Summary"
  4. On the left hand side,  Click  "Cost of Attendance"
  5. Change Aid Year to View Page, you may see listings for multiple aid years and multiple colleges. Click on the appropriate aid year and college to view details for each semester.
  6. On the Award Summary page, you will be able to view aid for the entire academic year and by individual terms. In the Terms section, there are hyperlinks for more detailed information.
  7. By clicking on the full-year Financial Aid Summary, you will be able to see the Estimated Financial Aid Budget/COA for the academic year. Click on the hyperlink budget amount to see the Estimated Financial Aid Budget Breakdown/COA by term.

2. Excelsior Scholarship:

CUNY - FAQ for Excelsior Scholarship
City College of New York - Excelsior Scholarship

3. How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?

Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for Federal financial aid. The FAFSA will help determine whether you have "financial need" for grants and/or loans.

To qualify for Federal student aid a student must:

  • be U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • be enrolled in a degree/certificate granting program
  • be in good academic standing
  • not be in default of previous student loans
  • not owe a repayment of any previous Federal student aid awards

4. How do I apply for Federal and New York State financial aid?

Please visit How To Apply website at CCNY.

5. What are the tuition and fees charges at City College?

Bursars - Tuition and Fee Information

6. When do I apply for financial aid?

Students must apply for financial aid each academic year.  At City College of New York, the academic year consists of the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters. FAFSA is available starting October 1st every year and the CCNY Financial aid applications are available in early January for the upcoming academic year. Students should apply as early as possible using their family's most accurate income and/or tax return information from the previous year.

 2023- 2024 FAFSA, student's are required to report their family's 2021 income information

Refer to the federal financial aid filing instructions:  Filling Out the FAFSA

Financial aid priority will be given to students who file their FAFSA and complete the application process by March 15 of each year.

7. How much financial aid can I receive?

The amount of financial aid that a student receives is determined by the availability of funds as well as "financial need". Financial need is determined by the following formula:

Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

  • The "Cost of Attendance" is an amount that includes average living expenses, tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation.
  • The "Expected Family Contribution"(EFC), is determined by the information reported on the FAFSA. It is calculated using a formula established by the U.S. Congress.
  • The resulting "Financial Need" determines your eligibility for various state and federal aid programs.

How do I request a tax return transcript?

You can order an IRS Tax Return Transcript or Verification of Non-Filing Letter online at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by phone at 1(800) 908-9946. You will need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (TIN), date of birth, and the exact address used on your latest tax return.

Why?

If the DRT was not used or your family was ineligible to use the DRT and your FAFSA was chosen for “Verification,” you must obtain a “Tax Return Transcript” from the IRS and submit it to the Financial Aid office (with any other required forms and documents).

How can I apply for scholarships?

The City College of New York Scholarship Coordinator is located in the Admissions - Scholarship Information

For a free scholarship search, visit www.fastweb.com

How will a scholarship affect my financial aid?

Students who are receiving federal financial aid cannot exceed their "cost of attendance". Students' scholarships must be considered part of their eligibility calculation. When a scholarship causes an "over award," may reduce certain types of federal aid. Federal Work-Study awards, loans, and/or FSEOG grants may have to be reduced or returned. If the funds have already been disbursed, returned. If the fund have been disbursed student will then owe the College for any outstanding balance. However the Federal Pell and TAP Grants will never be reduced.

What are some of the financial aid awards that I can receive?

Federal Pell Grant Information


FEDERAL PELL GRANT - is a federal grant that can be used to pay your tuition and fees. If your tuition and fees are paid by other means, your Pell award may be used to purchase books, supplies and other school - related expenses. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. You must be enrolled in a degree seeking program.

TAP Information (New York state residents)


TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) - is a New York State education grant which assists full-time (12 or more credits), undergraduate students with their tuition costs. You must be a legal resident of New York State. (If you are considered to be a dependent student your parents must also be New York State residents.) You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Students and/or their parent(s) must also meet certain income criteria and must not have exhausted their TAP eligibility, which for most students is eight (8) semesters.  If you receive a TAP award, the money goes directly to the college for payment of your tuition.

 

APTS Information (New York state residents)


AID for PART-TIME STUDY (APTS) - is a New York State tuition grant for undergraduate students who are New York State residents pursuing a degree on a part-time basis. (If you are considered to be a dependent student your parent(s) must also be New York State residents. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Students must enroll for at least 6 but fewer than 12 credits (including a minimum of 3 degree credits). Students and/or their parent(s) must also meet certain income criteria and must not have exhausted their undergraduate TAP eligibility. Award amounts vary based on the availability of NY state funds. If you receive an APTS award, the money goes directly to the college for payment of your tuition.

To be considered for APTS you must complete a TAP application and the CUNY Supplement form in your "To Do List" on CUNYfirst.

Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE)  Information


ACE at The City College of New York is a comprehensive program designed to help students complete their bachelor’s degree on time. Modeled on CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP),  ACE provides financial, academic, and personal support, including intensive academic advisement and career development, as well as tuition, textbook, and transportation assistance.

Think of the CCNY ACE team as trusted guides to help you stay on track and graduate on time.

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/ace

SEEK Information


SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) is a higher educational opportunity program that provides academic and financial support to students who qualify based on specific income and academic criteria. City's SEEK program has the distinction of being the first such program in the City University of New York (CUNY), having been established in 1965 as the Pre-Baccalaureate Program. The program was expanded to the other CUNY senior colleges in 1966 when the New York State Assembly passed legislation creating SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge). SEEK faculty and staff are committed to helping students successfully meet the challenges of college and supporting both their academic and personal development.

Campus-based programs (Federal Work-Study and Federal FSEOG)


Campus-based aid is awarded in late March, by the City University Office of Student Financial Assistance through a process called "packaging". 

Students must have a completed and "accepted" FAFSA by March 15 of each year in order to be considered for these awards. ("Accepted" means all required documents have been submitted and the student's financial aid status is "Completed".)

 

Federal Work-Study


FEDERAL WORK-STUDY- is a program that provides part-time jobs to students who have financial need.  The yearly award amounts are determined by CUNY. Jobs are available both on and off-campus. You must indicate on your FAFSA that you are interested in receiving a work-study award. Funds are limited, so it is important to complete a FAFSA as early as possible, preferably by March 15.

 

Federal FSEOG


The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), is awarded to students, when CUNY awards its campus-based aid funds in early March.  Students must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant to receive FSEOG.  The yearly award amounts are determined by CUNY. Funds are limited, so it is important to complete a FAFSA as early as possible, preferably by March 15.

 

Federal Direct Loan Information (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS)


WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM - provides federally insured, low interest, long term loans to students or parents to help cover the costs of attending college. The federal government is the lender (not a bank or other financial institution). The federal loan funds are disbursed directly to the student or the parent through the college. Student loan repayment begins six (6) months after: 1) a student graduates, 2) a student is no longer enrolled or 3) a student has been less than half-time.

Feel free to view information regarding:

Please visit  Federal Direct Loans for more details.

What are the academic requirements to qualify for financial aid?

Academic requirements that must be met in order to qualify for and to remain eligible for Federal and New York State financial aid. Students must maintain the required GPA (Grade point Average), and complete the required number of credits per semester. Failure to meet "Satisfactory Academic Progress" (SAP) requirements will result in the suspension of a student's Federal and/or New York State Aid.  Please review the charts below:

Am I an "Independent Student"?

For 2023 -2024 federal financial aid, a student is considered independent if he or she can answer "Yes" to any one of the thirteen independence questions: (Students may be required to provide supportive documentation.) The first eight questions are:

  1. Were you born before January 1, 2000?
  2. As of today, are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.)
  3. At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.)?
  4. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces for purposes other than training?
  5. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
  6. Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024?
  7. Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2024?
  8. At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
  9. Has it been determined by a court in your state of legal residence that you are an or that someone other than your parent or stepparent has of you? (You also should answer “Yes” if you are now an adult but were in legal guardianship or were an emancipated minor immediately before you reached the age of being an adult in your state. Answer “No” if the court papers say “custody” rather than “guardianship.”)?
  10. At any time on or after July 1, 2022, were you determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, as determined by (a) your high school or district homeless liaison, (b) the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or (c) the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program?

(See the 2023-24 FAFSA.)

*Answer "No" (you are not a veteran) if you (1) have never engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the U.S. armed forces, (2) are currently a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student or a cadet or midshipman at a service academy, (3) are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee activated only for state or training purposes, or (4) were engaged in active duty in the U.S. armed forces but released under dishonorable conditions. Also answer “No” if you are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces and will continue to serve through June 30, 2024.

*Answer "Yes" (you are a veteran) if you (1) have engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the U.S. armed forces or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who was called to active duty for other than state or training purposes, or were a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies and (2) were released under a condition other than dishonorable. Also answer “Yes” if you are not a veteran now but will be one by June 30, 2024.

**If you do not have a determination that you are homeless, but you believe you are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, answer “No” to the FAFSA questions concerning being homeless. Then contact your Financial aid office to explain your situation. “Homeless” means lacking fixed or regular housing. You may be homeless if you are living in shelters, parks, motels, hotels, cars, or temporarily living with someone else because you have nowhere else to go.

 

Am I Dependent or Independent?

Is there a tuition payment plan?

Yes. As a convenience, The City College of New York offers the option of making tuition payments on a monthly basis through the "CUNY Tuition Payment Plan". The CUNY Tuition Payment Plan is an interest-free alternative to a lump-sum payment at bill time.

To enroll in the plan or to obtain more information please call NELNET at: 1-888-470-6014.

How will I receive my financial aid payments?

Tuition Payment Options include:

  • In-Person
  • By Mail
  • One-time Online Payment 

Click here for the One-time Online Payment Guide.

*Please be advised that students may pay their Tuition and Fee balance by using a credit or debit card.  There is a service fee of 2.65% for each card payment you make.

  • Payment Plan (Nelnet)

For current semesters only you may enroll in the Nelnet Payment plan. For more information click here.

For Nelnet Payment Plan Open Enrollment Dates click here.

  • Payment Agreement (for Prior Year Semesters only)

Please see the Online In-house Bursar Payment Agreement guide for more information.

For semesters not listed online, please contact Ms. Diane Watford, dwatford@ccny.cuny.edu , and Ms. Hua Hoo, hhoo@ccny.cuny.edu .

Please click this Tuition Payment Options guide for more information on payment options.

*All unpaid balances will be sent to Collections after one year.

What types of aid are available for graduate students?

Is there financial aid for international students?

NO. 

International Students may apply for a private student loan with a US citizen co-signer requirement for most banks and education lenders in the United States.

CCNY International Student Information

Federal Department of Education Information for International Students

 

Can I use financial aid for study abroad?

Yes. Must be an approved CUNY or The City College of New York Study Abroad Program.

Federal Financial aid may be used for Study Abroad Program.  Direct Loans and Pell Grants are the types of aid most commonly used.

To qualify for a Direct Loan students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credits. 

To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, students must be enrolled for at least one (1) credit. However, the award amount would be prorated based on the number of credits.

Students must meet federal satisfactory academic progress requirements and all other eligibility requirements.  



Students who enroll for a non-CUNY study abroad program must submit a Consortium Agreement form as part of the study abroad approval process.

Clarifying Consequences for Financial aid of F/NC/W Grades

1)    If a student receives an "F"...
        a)    does the class count toward the total number of credits attempted that semester? Yes
        b)    does the class count toward the total number of credits completed that semester? Yes (completed but not earned)
2)    If a student receives an "NC"...
       a)    does the class count toward the total number of credits attempted that semester? Yes, except for Spring 2020 (COVID-19 impacted students)
       b)    does the class count toward the total number of credits completed that semester? Yes
3)    If a student receives a "W"...
       a)    does the class count toward the total number of credits attempted that semester? Yes
       b)    does the class count toward the total number of credits completed that semester? No
4)    Under the guidelines for TAP, what is the total number of credits students need to...
       a)    attempt? At least 12 contributory credits toward their program of study (degree) per semester.
       b)    complete? It depends on the TAP payment number. 

For example, for payment #4, a minimum of 9crs must be completed the prior semester and accumulated a minimum of 27crs.  After the 5th payment, at least 12crs contributory credits must be completed each semester.


5)    Under the guidelines for Excelsior, what is the total number of credits students need to...
       a)    Attempt? At least 12 contributory credits per semester.
       b)    Complete? A minimum of 30 contributory credits within 365 days (academic year)

6)    Are there other financial aid programs with guidelines for the total number of credits students need to...
       a)    attempt? For Federal Aid, students cannot attempt more than 150% of the credits required normally required for the completion of the degree.  For example, if the degree requires 120 credits, then no more 180 credits can be attempted to receive aid.
       b)    complete?  The pace of progression depends on the amount of attempted credits.

 

Last Updated: 09/12/2023 16:29