SUNY Orange

NY STATE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

ABOUT RECEIVING NY STATE FINANCIAL AID

  • All courses must apply to a degree program.
  • Student must meet academic standards and have good attendance.
  • “New York State Residents” are individuals who have lived in the state for the 12 months just prior to enrollment.
  • “Eligible non-citizens” are certified permanent residents or others who may qualify under federal law.
  • Changes in student’s class schedules can affect Financial Aid.  Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office about any such changes.
  • Every semester, the recipients of NY State Financial Aid are reviewed for academic progress.
  • Appeals of NY State financial aid awards must be submitted before the deadline of January 15, 2010.

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TAP GRANT FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for TAP, students:

  • Must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens
  • Must be legal residents of NY State
  • Must study at an approved NY State college
  • Must either A) be a graduate of a US high school, or B) have earned a GED, or C) have passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test
  • Must be enrolled as a full-time student, taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Must be enrolled in a degree program and be in good academic standing
  • Must have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Must have tuition costs of at least $200 per year
  • Must not be in default on either a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards
  • Must have NY State net taxable income of no more than $10,000 if student is a single, independent student
  • Must have NY State net taxable income of no more than $80,000 if student is either A) a married student, or B) a student who has tax dependents, or C) a dependent student living in a family with that income
  • Must have valid Social Security number
  • Must apply before May 1st of the year in which they want a TAP grant
  • If first-time TAP recipients, must be registered for at least 3 credits of college-level coursework
  • If transferring in and recipient of TAP at the former school, must have their credits evaluated prior to receiving TAP at SUNY Orange AND must  register for 6 or more college-level credits as part of a full-time load

NOTE: Income limits will be adjusted when other family members are attending college full-time.

Before being certified to receive a specific TAP payment, students must have accrued at least a certain number of credits toward their degree while maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA).  See chart below:

Before being certified
for this TAP payment:
Students must:
1st Pmt
2nd Pmt
3rd Pmt
4th Pmt
5th Pmt
6th Pmt
Be enrolled for at least this
number of credits:
3
6
6
Have completed (either passed or failed) this many credits since the previous TAP payment:
--
6
6
9
9
12
Have accrued at least this many credits toward their degree:
--
3
9
18
30
45
Have at least this CGPA:
--
0.5
0.75
1.3
2.0
2.0

NOTES:

  • Grade earned for “completed” courses may be A, B, C, D, F, or P.
  • To be eligible for TAP in the future, students must pass the minimum number of credits.
  • Courses which are audited and/or which are repeats of previously passed courses are not eligible for inclusion in a student’s credited enrollment.
  • Financial Aid can only pay for 2 credits of Physical Education coursework

Award

Awards for single independent students range between $500 and $3,025 and awards for other students range from $500 to $5,000 per year.

The amount awarded is determined by:

  • Academic year in which the first payment of TAP or any state award is received
  • The smaller amount of either A) $5,000 or B) the cost of tuition
  • Financial status of student, whether student is dependent or independent
  • For dependent students: family NY State net taxable income--including any federal, state, or local pension income, if applicable
  • For dependent students: whether other family members are enrolled in college

How to Apply

Students should complete the FAFSA on line and then click on the link for HESC to apply for TAP (available at www.hesc.org†) before May 1, 2011 for the school year 2010-2011.

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TAP GRANT FOR PART-TIME STUDENTS

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, a student must:

  • Have completed first-time-freshman requirements in 2006-07 or later
  • Be enrolled for at least 6 but less than 12 credits per semester
  • Have earned 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters, for a total of at least 24 credits
  • Maintain at least a “C” average
  • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be a legal resident of New York State
  • Have either A) graduated from a US high school, or B) earned a GED, or C) passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test
  • Be enrolled in a degree-granting program
  • Have tuition costs of at least $200 per year
  • Not be in default on either a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards
  • Have NY State net taxable income of no more than $10,000 if a single, independent student
  • Have NY State net taxable income of no more than $80,000 if either  A) a married student, or B) a student who has tax dependents, or C) a dependent student living with a family with no more than that income
  • Meet May 1, 2011 deadline for 2010-2011 school year

Award

TAP payments for students taking only 6 to 11 credits will be pro-rated, based on adjusting the amount of a full-time award to the number of part-time credits taken.  (See TAP Grant for Full-Time Students)

How to Apply

Students should complete the FAFSA on line and then click on the link to HESC to apply for TAP (available at www.hesc.org†) before May 1, 2011 for the 2010-2011 school year.

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Aid For Part-Time Study (APTS)

Due to funding limitations and the number of qualified applicants, coverage is limited to 6 credits.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be NY State residents who can demonstrate the ability to complete college coursework
  • Be enrolled for 6 to 11 ½ credits in an eligible degree-bearing program
  • After completing at least 3 credits at SUNY Orange, maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 in order to be eligible to receive APTS the following semester
  • If transferring in to SUNY Orange, submit to the Financial Aid Office an Academic Transcript of coursework completed at the prior institution
  • If they are dependent students: have a family whose net NY State taxable income is $50,550 or less
  • If they are independent students: have a family whose net NY State taxable income is $34,250 or less

Award

The amount of aid is determined by the NY State budget and the Financial Aid Office.

How To Apply

See "Forms and Documents" at left.

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Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements

The student must:

  • Be a child, spouse, or financial dependent of one who died as a direct result of the Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009.
  • Be enrolled at an approved NY State college
  • Have either A) graduated from a US high school, B) earned a GED, or C) passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Be enrolled in an approved degree program and be in good academic standing
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Not be in default either on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards

NOTE: Applicant need not be a NY State resident or US citizen.

Award

Scholarships cover up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s degree program.) 

  • At a public college (SUNY or CUNY), the award covers A) actual tuition and fees, B) actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students, and C) allowances for books, supplies, and transportation.  
  • At a private college, award covers A) tuition in an amount equal to the amount of SUNY four-year tuition and average fees (or the student’s actual tuition and fees, which ever is less) and B) allowances for room and board, books, supplies, and transportation.

However, the law which enacted the 2009-10 New York State budget reduces the award amount to each student by two percent.

How to Apply

Students must submit the Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship Supplement† and the required documentation.  Once eligibility is established and HESC has assigned them an account number, they must do one of the following by May 1 of each academic year to request payment:

  • State Residents should complete the FAFSA and TAP application on the Web. (Applications and instructions are available at www.hesc.org†)
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”

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Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be children, spouses, or financial dependents of those who died as a direct result of the American Airlines Flight 587 crash on November 12, 2001 in Belle Harbor, Queens, New York
  • Study at an approved NY State college
  • Have graduated from A) a US high school, B) earned a GED, or C) passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student, taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Be accepted in an approved degree program and be in good academic standing
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Not be in default on either a student loan or on any repayment of state awards.

Award

The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year degree program). In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance. The award includes:

  • At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): Actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
  • At a private institution: An amount equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and average mandatory education fees (or the student’s actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
  • Note: The law enacting the 2009 NY State Budget reduces the award amount  by 2%

How to apply

Students must submit the Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship Web Supplement†.  Once eligibility has been established and HESC has assigned an account number, students must do one of the following by May 1 of each academic year to request payment:

  • NY State Residents should complete the FAFSA† and TAP† on the Web application
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”

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Military Service Recognition Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Have been members of the US armed forces or state militia OR the children, spouses, and financial dependents of members who were NY State residents who served on or after August 2, 1990, and who died or became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness incurred during combat (or training operations in preparation for combat) or was declared Missing in Action in a combat zone
  • Study at an approved NY State college
  • Have either A) graduated from a US high school, B) earned a GED, or C) passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test 
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Be accepted in a degree program and be in good academic standing
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Not be in default on either a student loan or on any repayment of NY State awards

Award

The MSRS award covers up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (or 5 years in an approved 5-year program) and includes the following components:

  • At a public college (SUNY or CUNY): A) Actual tuition fees; B) actual room and board charged to the student for students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and C) allowances for books, supplies, and transportation.
  • At a private institution:  A) An allowance equal to 4-year SUNY college tuition and fees (or student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and B) allowances for room and board, books, supplies, and transportation.

Receipt of other grants and scholarships may reduce the MSRS award.  The total of all aid received cannot be greater than the student's Title IV cost of attendance.

Note: The law which enacted the 2009-10 New York State budget reduced the award amount to each student by 2 percent.

How to Apply

Students should complete and submit the Military Service Recognition Scholarship Web Supplement†.  Once eligibility has been established and HESC has assigned an account number, students must do one of the following by May 1 of each academic year to request the payment:

  • NY State Residents should complete the FAFSA† and TAP† on the Web application.
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”.

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Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship  (LOT) from the NY State Lottery

In keeping with the mission of the New York State Lottery to support education, it has established this scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements

High-school seniors in participating public and private NY high schools who are scheduled to graduate in June of the year in which they will start college in the fall, must:

  • Be nominated by their high school
  • Have earned at least a B average on 7 high-school semesters
  • Demonstrate leadership skills and participate in extracurricular and community activities
  • Be a legal resident of NY State and either a US citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Be planning to attend a NYS-accredited college which participates in the TAP program
  • Have parents who are not employees of the NY State Lottery or one of its contractors

Award

The scholarship, awarded to one graduating senior from each participating public and private high school in NY State, is for $5,000, distributed in payments of $625 each semester

  • Scholarship must be used within 5 years including the year awarded.
  • Once awarded, LOT recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average
  • Once awarded, LOT recipients must submit either a FAFSA† and TAP† Application or a “Scholarship and Grant Application”† to Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) by May 1st of each year .

How to Apply

High school seniors are nominated by their high school.

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Incentive Scholarships for Math and Science Teaching

To encourage students to pursue careers as secondary math and science teachers, this program provides awards to students attending four years of undergraduate school and one year of graduate study in pursuit of degrees certifying them as math or science teachers in exchange for five years of full-time employment as math or science teachers in grades 7 through 12.

Eligibility Requirements

Recipients must:

  • Be either US citizens or other eligible non-citizens
  • Be a full-time student at a NY State college 
  • Be enrolled in a program leading to a degree in secondary math or science education
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all academic years of undergraduate and graduate study
  • Sign a Service Contract in which they agree to work for five years as a secondary school math or science teacher. Click to view the terms and conditions of the Service Contract.†
  • Not have a service obligation under another program. (For example, students may not hold both the Federal Teach Grant and a NYS Math and Science Teacher Incentive Program award at the same time.)
  • Not be in default on a student loan
  • Earn at least 27 credit hours or the equivalent during the academic year in a course of study leading to a secondary-education degree in the fields of math or science

Award

Recipients shall receive an annual award equal to the annual tuition paid by NY State residents attending a SUNY undergraduate program, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. The maximum annual grant for the 2009-10 academic year is $4,995 and is paid to the school upon the student’s successful completion of each academic year.

How to Apply 

Applications for the 2009 Series New York State Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship will be available in January 2010.  Current NYS Residents must complete the FAFSA †and TAP† application.  Non-Resident students should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”.

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Memorial Scholarships for Civic Workers      

Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers and Emergency Medical Service Workers provide financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of such deceased civic workers who died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. (Peace Officers are defined in the criminal procedures law and include many categories of workers, including NY State Correction Officers.)

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.
  • Study at an approved college in NY State
  • Have graduated from either A) a US high school, B)  earned a GED, or C)  passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test
  • Be a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Be enrolled an approved degree program of study and be in good academic standing
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Not be in default on either a student loan or on any repayment of state awards

Award

Memorial Scholarships provide funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (or 5 years in an approved 5-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

  • At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): Actual tuition and fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies, and transportation.
  • At a private institution: An amount equal to SUNY 4-year college tuition and fees (or the student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
  • In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

Note: The law enacting the 2009-10 New York State budget reduced the award amount to each student by 2 percent.

How to Apply

Student should submit the NYS Memorial Scholarship Web Supplement.†
Once eligibility has been established and HESC has assigned an account number, the student must follow up by May 1 of each academic year to request payment:

  • NY State Residents should complete FAFSA† and TAP †on the Web application.
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”.

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Scholarships for Academic Excellence in High School

The top graduating scholar at NY State high schools are referred by their schools for Scholarships for Academic Excellence on the basis of grades earned in certain Regents examinations.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be graduating from a registered NY State high school, public or private
  • Be accepted as a full-time student in an approved undergraduate program of study in a NY State college
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Not be in default on any student loan
  • Be US citizens or qualifying non-citizens
  • Be NY State residents

Award

The award provides from $500 to $1,500 per year for up to 5 years of undergraduate study in a NY State college for the top graduating scholar in each registered high school in New York State.  (Awards cannot exceed cost of attendance.)

Awards are made to outstanding New York State high school graduates for up to 4 years of full-time study (or 5 years if in a 5-year degree program). The scholarship must be used within 7 years, commencing with the first academic year for which the scholarship was awarded.  Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. (If recipients receive other grants, total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance).

To receive payment of the scholarship, the student must submit an application for payment to HESC by May 1 of each year for which assistance is sought. Application for payment is made by filing the FAFSA† and the TAP †on the Web application.

Note: The law enacting the 2009-10 New York State budget reduced the award amount to each student by 2 percent.

How To Apply

High school students should see their guidance counselor.

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NYS Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship

NOTE: The 2009 NY State Budget includes funding for students already holding NY State Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarships, but it does not include funding for awards to new nominees.

Eligibility Requirements

Students who:

  • Are serving as current volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel
  • Are NY State residents
  • Maintain their status as an active volunteer with the volunteer organization for duration of scholarship.
  • Are enrolled in an approved NY State college undergraduate degree program and maintain continuous enrollment in college/institution for duration of scholarship
  • Have a course load of at least 6 credits per term
  • If 23 years of age or older, have less than six months of volunteer service at time of initial award
  • If under 23 years of age, no minimum or maximum time of volunteer service is required at time of initial award
  • Are not in possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree
  • Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
  • Have applied for state and federal financial aid
  • Maintain good academic standing with a “C” average

The 2009 NYS Budget does not include funding for granting awards to new nominees.

Award

Awards will equal the amount of tuition, reduced by the amount of any additional tuition-based grant.  Tuition cannot exceed the amount of tuition charged by SUNY.

Recipients will continue to receive benefits as long as A) they are continuously enrolled, B) they meet the eligibility requirements, and C) funding is available from NY State.

Note: the law which enacted the 2008-09 NY State Budget reduced the award amount to each student by 2 percent.

How to Apply

To receive payment for the 2009-10 academic year, returning Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship holders must file FAFSA† and TAP† on the Web application.

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NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be children, spouses, and financial dependents of deceased or severely and permanently disabled victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, at the Pentagon, or on Flights 11, 77, 93, or 175. OR
  • Be survivors of the terrorist attacks who are severely and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the attacks or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations.
  • Study at an approved college in NY State
  • Have either A) graduated from a US high school, B) earned a GED, or C) passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
  • Be in good academic standing in an approved program of study
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receiving two annual payments
  • Not be in default either on a student loan or on any repayment of state awards

Award

The award covers up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (or 5 years in an approved 5-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

  • At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): Actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
  • At a private institution: An amount equal to SUNY 4-year college tuition and average mandatory educational fees (or the student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
  • In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

Note: The law which enacted the 2009-10 NY State Budget reduced the award amount to each student by 2 percent.

How To Apply

Complete and submit the NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Web Supplement.† Once the student has established eligibility and HESC has assigned an account number, the student must file by May 1 of each academic year to request payment:

  • NY State Residents should complete the FAFSA† and TAP† on the Web application.
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”.

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Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements

Student must be an academically talented high-school senior who:

  • will receive a high school diploma or GED during the current academic year
  • plans to enroll in an approved US college
  • Has a minimum Byrd GPA of 95.00 and a minimum score of 1875 on the SAT (critical reading PLUS writing PLUS math scores from a single administration).
  • Note: An ACT score will be allowed only if the SAT was not taken; a minimum composite score of 28 is required.

Award

The scholarship provides for up to $1,500 per year, and is renewable for 4 years, depending on federal funding.  (Total aid to a student from all sources cannot exceed the cost of attendance.)

How to Apply

High school students should see their guidance counselor for application information.

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NYS Aid to Native Americans

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • Be enrolled as a member of a NY Native American tribe OR
  • Be the child of a tribal member
  • Be NY State residents
  • Be attending, or be planning to attend, a NY State college 

Award

Eligible and/or certified Native American students can receive awards of up to $2,000 per year for up to 4 years of full-time study (5 years for specific programs requiring 5 years to complete degree requirements).  If funding is available, eligible students may receive aid for summer course work, although any aid a student receives for summer-school study is deducted from the student's maximum entitlement for four years of full-time college study.

Awards are available for 2-, 4-, or 5-year undergraduate programs.

How to Apply

Students must apply each semester (not annually).  Applications must be postmarked by July 15 for the fall semester, by December 31 for the spring semester, and by May 20 for the summer session.

Specific eligibility criteria and information can be obtained by writing to:

Native American Education Unit
NYS Education Department
Room 374 EBA
Albany, New York 12234

(518) 474-0537

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NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans were created to provide financial aid to students whose parent served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified times of national emergency.

Eligibility Requirements

The student must be the child of a member of the US Armed Forces:

  • Who is a New York State resident or was a New York State resident at the time of death
  • Who served during specified periods of war or national emergency (see below)  and A) who, as a result of service, either died, B) suffered a 40% or more disability, or C) was classified as missing in action, or D) was a prisoner of war.
  • Who served in Afghanistan between 9-11-02 to the end of hostilities  OR
  • Who served in the Persian Gulf between 8-02-90 to the end of hostilities OR
  • Who served in Vietnam/Indochina between 12-22-61 to 5-7-75 OR
  • Who served in the Korean Conflict between 6-27-50 to 1-31-75 OR
  • Who served in World War II between 12-7-41 to 12-31-46 OR
  • Who served as a Merchant Seaman between 12-7-41 to 8-15-45 OR
  • Who served in World War I between 4-6-17 to 11-11-18 OR
  • Who participated in operations in Panama from 12-20-89 to 1-31-90 and received an expeditionary medal OR
  • Who participated in operations in Grenada from 10-23-83 to 11-21-83 and received an expeditionary medal OR
  • Who participated in operations in Lebanon from 6-1-83 to 12-1-87 and received an expeditionary medal

NOTE: Students who were born with spina bifida whose parent is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Indochina between 12/22/61 - 05/07/75 must contact HESC at 1-888-697-4372 for application instructions.

Award

The award is $450 per year.  However, the law which enacted the 2009-10 New York State budget reduced the award to each student by 2 percent.

How to Apply

Students should complete the application Children of Veterans Award Web Supplement.   Once eligibility has been established, the student must fileby may 1 of each academic year to request payment:

  • NY State Residents should complete the FAFSA† and TAP† on the Web application.
  • Non-Residents should contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a “Scholarship and Grant Payment Application”.

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Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

AmeriCorps is the national service initiative that provides funding for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to run local programs, engaging individuals from all backgrounds in community service activities. Participants address the most pressing education, public safety, homeland security, and human and environmental challenges facing our communities.

In return for the successful completion of their service, members of AmeriCorps programs receive money for school in the form of an education award that can be applied to outstanding student loans or to future higher educational and vocational training pursuits.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

  • work full-time for 1,700 hours of service on a variety of community projects

OR

  •  work part-time for 900 hours of service on a variety of community projects

Award

  • Full-time participants will receive an education award of $4,725 and may also be receive a living allowance, health insurance, and if eligible, child care
  • Part-time participants will receive an award of $2,363 and may also be eligible for a living allowance

How to Apply

Information about New York State programs can be found by visiting the website:  AmeriCorp †or by contacting:

NYS Office for National and Community Service 
Office of Children & Family Services 
52 Washington St. 
Rensselaer, NY 12144

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Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and who are:

  • Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
  • Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990.
  • Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001.
  • Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

These students must also:

  • Establish eligibility by applying to HESC.
  • Be New York State residents.
  • Be US Citizens or eligible noncitizens.
  • Be matriculated full or part- time at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
  • Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program for all undergraduate or graduate study.
  • Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
  • Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
  • Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards

How to Apply

  • Students previously approved for this award must apply by May 1st for payment each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then linking to the TAP on the Web application.
  • Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

Once eligibility has been established, the student  must apply by May 1st for payment as follows:

  • Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then linking to the TAP on the Web application, OR
  • For veterans who do not anticipate filing a FAFSA, complete a Scholarship Grant Payment Application. For a copy of the application call HESC at 1-888-697-4372.

To learn more about programs and benefits for veterans, visit the Division of Veterans Affairs†.

†Clicking on this link will take you out of the SUNY Orange Web site. The college cannot be responsible for the content on these pages, although the links on this page have been reviewed and are recommended by the staff of the Office of Finacial Aid.

Middletown

SUNY Orange
Office of Financial Aid
115 South Street 
3rd floor
Middletown NY 10940

Telephone: 
845-341-4190

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm
Wed Evening: to 8pm

Newburgh

SUNY Orange
Office of Financial Aid
One Washington Ctr
Newburgh NY 12550

Telephone: 
845-562-2454

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm
Tue Evening:to 8 pm