Video tutorial of financial aid process for undergraduate students:
Video tutorial of financial aid process for graduate students:
Steps to apply for financial aid:
1. Apply for admission to SUNY Cortland
Please visit SUNY Cortland Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions to learn more about the process, deadlines and requirements to apply.
2. Complete the FAFSA
The process of applying for financial aid begins with the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid), which determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. If you are a New York state resident, you will need to complete the FAFSA before applying for New York state financial aid (NYS TAP, Excelsior Scholarship). The FAFSA application opens October 1st each year and we recommend completing the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available.
3. Apply for New York State Financial Aid (NYS Residents)
After you complete FAFSA, you will be prompted to complete the NYS TAP Application (NYS Tuition Assistance Program). We recommend completing the TAP application immediately following the FAFSA.
If you are a first time undergraduate applicant to SUNY Cortland, complete the NYS Excelsior Scholarship application – the application is available late spring.
DACA Students (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) are eligible to apply for NYS Tuition Assistance through the Senator Jose Peralta NY State DREAM Act.
4. Apply for SUNY Cortland Scholarships
SUNY Cortland offers a wide range of scholarships. Make sure you apply for SUNY Cortland Scholarships.
5. Complete Additional Documentation Requests
After you have submitted your FAFSA, the Department of Education may require the student to submit additional documentation in order to determine aid eligibility.
Student can view any outstanding requirements under the ‘My Financial Aid’ section of their myRedDragon. The Financial Aid Office will also email the student at their SUNY Cortland email address to request additional information.
6. Receive Financial Aid Eligibility
Once accepted to SUNY Cortland, you will receive your financial aid eligibility online in myRedDragon. First time applicants will also receive financial aid eligibility information in the mail.
To view your financial aid eligibility:
- Log in to your myRedDragon
- Select the Admissions or Student tab
- Choose "My Financial Aid" under the financial aid section
- Click on "Offer" this is where you can view your offer
- Review eligibility and accept or decline financial aid
7. Complete Unsatisfied Requirements
Depending on the type of financial aid you receive, you may have additional requirements to complete. If anything additional is required, the requirements will be listed on myRedDragon.
Notifications from the Financial Aid Office will be sent to your SUNY Cortland email. Please make sure to continue to check your SUNY Cortland email often.