LAST UPDATED ON 1/22/26

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    Financial Aid

    Filing FAFSA and TAP Application

    • If you are attending Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and/or the Spring 2026 term, complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA and TAP Application. Click HERE for more information and instructions.  It is an ASAP/ACE requirement for you to complete both FAFSA and TAP Application
    • If you are attending Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and/or the Spring 2027 term, complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA and TAP Application. Click HERE for more information and instructions.  It is an ASAP/ACE requirement for you to complete both FAFSA and TAP Application
    • Visit the Student Aid YouTube Page for more information and instructions in how to complete the FAFSA.
    • If you need assistance in completing FAFSA/TAP Application you can visit the Financial Aid Web Lab. Hours and location are available HERE.
    • If you are unable to complete the FAFSA due to your immigration status, you can complete the TAP Application available in the HESC Dream Portal (click here).

     

    Alternative Financing Options:

    ✔ CUNY Tuition Payment Plan – Pay tuition in monthly installments: Enroll Online here

    ✔ Complete any outstanding financial aid tasks in CUNYfirst – to ensure your FAFSA and TAP applications are fully processed. In your CUNYfirst Student Center, click on the Tasks title, then To Do List, to review and complete any required steps, such as ‘Verify My FAFSA”.

    ✔ Search for Scholarships – Visit the Scholarships and Awards page here.

    ✔ Apply for the NYS Excelsior Scholarship.  For more information in how to apply visit https://hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program . 

                Spring 2026 Deadline is February 3rd, 2026 (first time applicants only)

    ✔ Veterans Benefits – If you or a family member is a qualified veteran, check eligibility

    ✔ Financial Changes? – If your family’s financial situation has changed, speak with a Financial Aid Counselor for a special circumstances review.  You can also contact me.

  • If after reviewing these options you still wish to accept the student loan, please review the details and steps below to proceed.

    To receive and maintain your loan, you must:

    ✔ Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits undergrad)

    ✔ Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) (GPA + course completion)

    ✔ Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

    ✔ Not be in default on a federal student loan

    ✔ Be aware: Withdrawing before completing 60% of the semester may require immediate loan repayment

    How to Accept, Reduce, or Decline Your Loan in CUNYfirst

    1. Sign in to CUNYfirst
    2. Click Student Center > Financial Aid
    3. Select your college & 2025-2026 Financial Aid Year (if borrowing for Fall 2025/Spring 2026)
    4. Click Award Summary
    5. Accept, reduce, or decline your loan. If you do not have a loan offered, email me so I can provide additional instructions.

    After Accepting Your Loan – Complete Required Steps Below:

    If you are a first-time federal loan borrower, you must complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

    1st Complete Entrance Counseling – This session ensures you understand the responsibilities and obligations of borrowing a federal student loan.

    Access the counseling at: https://studentaid.gov

    2nd Sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) This legal document outlines the terms of your loan and your commitment to repay it.

    Complete the MPN at: https://studentaid.gov

     

    Financial Aid Questions:

    • Email the Financial Aid Specialist, Claribel Martinez-Sullivan, at ASAPFinancialAid@citytech.cuny.edu 
    • Make an appointment through Navigate: 
    • When making an appointment select “Academic Advising” and then for Services select “Financial Aid”