Financial Aid Office

Students must have a valid FAFSA on file before they can be reviewed for aid eligibility. Once a budget sheet is submitted the student will be reviewed for any remaining aid they have not already exhausted for that academic year.  A summary of the student’s estimated expenses and  financial aid for their semester abroad will be sent to the student’s Buffalo State email account.  Students should review these documents thoroughly as they will estimate the amount the student will need to pay out-of-pocket for their semester abroad  If students are in need of additional funds to help pay for their semester abroad, they may contact the Financial Aid Office located in Moot Hall 230 for additional loan information.

Additional Aid Types (additional applications required)

• Private loans
• Federal Parent PLUS Loans (dependent students only)

Prepare for Your Bill

Before going on exchange, students should ensure they understand how they will be billed.  Billing is program/exchange specific. Students should consult with the International Education Office in South Wing 430 to determine their expected bill at each campus. Below are some key points students show knows:

• Where is tuition being charged?  To qualify for TAP students must have New York State tuition charges (and meet all other eligibility requirements for TAP).
• Is there an additional program fee?  When is it due and which college is it charged at?
• Do you need to pay room and board at the exchange school?
• Does the exchange school charge late fees?  Are there other negative consequences for a late or unpaid bill? 
• How much financial aid will be received at Buffalo State?  How much will your refund be? When will you receive your refund?

Be a Good Student

Students must take their academics seriously while on exchange.  Failure to attend classes can result in a cancelation or reduction in financial aid.  Students must meet federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules and NYS Good Academic Standing rules to maintain eligibility in subsequent semesters.   

Financial Responsibility

Students participating on exchange are responsible for any and all charges accrued at both the home as well as host institution. Students’ failure to make timely payments may result in late fees, transcripts being withheld (jeopardizing future aid at home institution), accounts being put on hold, as well as the account being turned over to a collection agency. 

How Financial Aid Is Disbursed

When aid is certified and received by the home institution (Buffalo State) it will first be used to pay off any balance owed to the home institution (Buffalo State) any remaining aid will then be refunded to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to pay any charges owed to the host institution or in the case of International Exchange, any invoiced amount owed to that office. 

The Financial Aid Office at Buffalo State is not responsible for deferring payment on the students’ behalf at the host institution. The student must work with the International Education Office if they need assistance in payment deferment.  The International Education Office is located in South Wing 430.

Students must submit their academic transcript to Buffalo State after their exchange.  Students that used federal or state aid will have a disbursement hold placed on their accounts until the transcript is received.