Applying for Financial Aid

Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 aid year! The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the need analysis that determines federal aid eligibility, changes in terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. Watch a video outlining these changes.

Change of application dates
Historically, FAFSA has been available beginning Oct. 1. However, because of significant changes to the application and the rebuild of the FAFSA processing system, the 2024-25 FAFSA will not be available until sometime in December 2023. Updates on an exact date will be posted here when announced.

• Apply for an FSA ID, if you don't have one already.
  • Both the student and all parent contributors will need an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA when it is released.
  • This must be completed at least 3-5 business days BEFORE completing the FAFSA.
• Locate your tax returns from 2022. If you didn't save a copy, request a free tax transcript from the IRS.
  • YouTube Video: How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application is now available. Students who would like to get a head start on the financial aid process are encouraged to apply.
NOTE: To complete the application, students will need valid New York State identification to verify their identity. Students will still be required to complete the FAFSA by Feb.15 for the early TAP application to be processed. 

• Step-by-Step Guide to Completing NYS TAP Application

After your FAFSA is processed, Hudson Valley Community College will be sent the information electronically. You may be required to submit additional information to the Financial Aid Office. You can verify your FAFSA in the Campus Logic Student Forms system.

Campus Logic Student Forms

Additional information is often required for one or more of the reasons listed below.

Database Mismatch
Your FAFSA data is matched against various federal databases (i.e. Social Security Administration, Selective Service, Dept. of Homeland Security, Dept. of Veteran Affairs) to make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. If it cannot be determined that you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you may be asked to submit any of the following:

• Copy of your Social Security Card.
• Copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Copy of your alien registration card.
• Proof of being a veteran of the armed forces.

Verification
The U.S. Department of Education selects some FAFSA applicants for a process called "verification." Hudson Valley Community College may also select a student for verification. If you are selected for this process, you will be required to submit any or all of the following to the Financial Aid Office:

• Copy of student's federal IRS tax return transcript*
  Request an Official IRS Tax Return Transcript
• Copy of student's W2 form(s)
• Copy of parent's federal IRS tax return transcript* (Dependent students only)
  Request an Official IRS Tax Return Transcript
• Copy of parent's W2 form(s) (Dependent students only)

*If you (or your parents, if you are a dependent) use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when filing the FAFSA, you may not be required to submit copies of the IRS tax return transcripts. You can also make a correction to your FAFSA to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool after the FAFSA has been submitted. Login to www.studentaid.gov/, choose "Make Corrections" and then select the "Financial Information" tab. Be sure to "Submit" your corrections.

Federal regulations require that independent students/student's parents/student's spouses who did not file taxes must submit proof that they didn't file an IRS tax return.

Please be aware that other documentation may be required to resolve conflicting information that occurs between your FAFSA and verification documents. All errors, mismatches and verification issues must be resolved before your financial aid eligibility can be finalized.

Once your FAFSA data is received and any requested verification documents have been received, the Financial Aid Office will send an email to your Hudson Valley Community College email account.

Your SUNY Award Letter will list any federal grants you qualify to receive as a full-time student, as well as any student loans for which you may apply. If the Financial Aid Office has been notified of your New York State TAP award, this will also be listed on your notice. Students who plan to attend part-time must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately so their awards can be reviewed and adjusted.

Note about Degree Applicable Hours
You can only receive federal and state aid for courses that count towards your degree program. An error message will occur when you schedule a course that is NOT degree-applicable. You can view your scheduled courses on WIReD. Tuition bills will NOT reflect financial aid credits for courses that are not degree-applicable. Please review your schedule and your tuition bill very carefully for any discrepancies relating to your courses and financial aid.