Types of Aid
A grant is considered gift aid (i.e., money that does not need to be repaid). Grants are usually given to students based solely on a demonstration of financial need. For federal grants, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. For state grants, student must submit a New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application each year.
Scholarships are gift aid (i.e., money that does not need to be repaid). Students usually receive scholarships based on demonstrated merit (e.g., academic ability, community service involvement, or talent). Scholarships may require that the student has financial need in addition to academic achievement. Scholarships typically require the student to submit an application to the organization(s) offering the scholarship.
More Information: Buffalo State Scholarships | External Scholarships
Work Study is a part-time job, often on campus, for which a student earns a paycheck. It is considered financial aid because the government is paying a portion of the paycheck and the student must demonstrate need to qualify. Students must submit a FAFSA to determine their eligibility for work-study.
More Information: Federal Work Study
Loans are aid funds that are borrowed and must be repaid. Repayment of federal loans will begin 6 months after a student graduates or ceases enrollment. Repayment of private loans may vary based on the lender.
Sometimes a portion of a federal loan can be forgiven if a student goes into certain occupations, or under certain repayment plans.
More information: Federal loans Undergraduate |Graduate Loans | Private loans
The financial need of a student is determined by the information provided on the FAFSA. Financial need is defined as the difference between the student's cost of attendance and the SAI (Student Aid Index—the family's ability to pay towards the costs of attending college, as defined by the federal government).
Cost of attendance - SAI (Student Aid Index) = Need
A student's SAI is the same regardless of which school they attend, however, a student's need may vary based on the cost of the school.
More Information: How Aid Is Awarded
Sources of Aid
The federal government offers grants, loans, and work-study. Eligibility for federal aid is determined by the financial aid administrators at the institution a student attends and based on the student's FAFSA.
Eligibility for some aid programs will vary from school to school and is not transferable. Students must have a determination of eligibility done at each school that they are interested in attending.
New York State offers grants and scholarships. Eligibility is determined by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), not the school a student attends. The school will verify that the student maintains academic eligibility and enrolls in the required number of credit hours.
Other states may also have grant programs and may allow their students to use the grants to attend colleges that are out of state.
At Buffalo State, you will automatically be considered for merit scholarships through the admissions process. You may also apply for additional scholarships in the CAPS Scholarship Portal once you have committed to the university.
Private organizations may offer scholarships. The pool of applicants can vary depending on the size of the organization and interest in their funding. It's best to look for local scholarships first as there is less competition, and then review national scholarship programs. You can also check with your employer and community organizations to see if they offer funding.
More Information: External Scholarships