Carefully review this page to ensure you have completed all necessary tasks to receive your financial aid and are prepared for the upcoming semester and bill.
Congratulations on your acceptance to SUNY Buffalo State! In addition to the financial aid steps below, take note of the following tasks that need to be completed with other offices:
Below are some reminders to keep your aid on track:
Note: Award letters are generated for students after they have been admitted and applied for financial aid (filed the FAFSA). For detailed help with applying for aid, please review the Apply for Aid site.
A limited number of graduate students must submit additional documents to the financial aid office before we can finalize their aid. Students can view what documents and tasks must be completed in Banner and are strongly encouraged to complete all requirements promptly. Finally, students should monitor their Banner account to ensure the documents they submitted have been accepted and nothing else is needed. It is not uncommon for additional documents to be requested.
Using your award letter, estimate your out-of-pocket costs using the following tools:
If you will owe a balance each semester, develop a plan as to how it will be paid. Below are some options to cover the remaining amount due. Additionally, develop a plan to purchase textbooks.
Students expecting a refund from their financial aid can request a book deferment to purchase their textbooks in the college bookstore. Students that owe a balance will need to purchase their textbooks out-of-pocket or apply for additional loans. Students should budget about $500 per semester for a full-time course load (12+ credits).
Students expecting a refund are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Review the fall and spring disbursement schedules to understand the timing of when aid is disbursed and when refunds are generated. As a general rule, any aid that is received is first applied to the student's charges. Once all charges are paid in full, the student is eligible for a refund (as applicable).
If a balance is still owed to the college after your financial aid, create a plan to cover the remaining balance due. Options include:
| ALERT: Students with a balance of $1500 or more will not be able to register for the upcoming semester(s). Late fees will be applied each month if the bill is not paid in full. Each late fee is $30 and the maximum per semester is $90 in late fees. |
Students must meet certain minimum standards to maintain eligibility for financial aid, including federal loans. Students that are struggling academically should consult with the financial aid office to review their options, in addition to seeking free tutoring and help on campus.
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