Home > Financial Aid > Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is a multi-stepped process and there are separate applications for federal and state financial aid programs.

The first step is to obtain the required applications and submit them to the appropriate processing agencies.

It is important to file your FAFSA as early as possible as the limited campus-based aid programs run out of funds quickly! To be considered for one of these programs (Federal College Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants) your application must be submitted to the Federal Aid Processor by our priority deadline. Funds are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

To apply you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA form.

1. Apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to use as your electronic signature. Both student and parent need their own FSA ID's. You will receive your confirmation typically within 3 days (if sent by email and separate email addresses must be used by the parent and student).
2. Gather all family income documentation for the appropriate tax year. This includes student and parents tax returns, W-2's, and any untaxed income documentation. You will be given an option to load data directly from the IRS.
3. Apply for Federal Financial Aid electronically at FAFSA on the Web. You can print a worksheet to assist in preparing to complete the online application. Computers are available for student use in the One Hop Shop.

NYS Residents: How to Apply for New York State Aid

If you are a New York State resident, you will be given a link after you have submitted your FAFSA application to apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

1. Apply online at TAP On The Web. You will receive an email reminder from NYS HESC.
2. You will need a copy of your and your parent's New York State income tax returns to complete the application. Your application will be verified with the New York State Department of Taxation for accuracy.
3. NYS will notify both you and the school listed of the amount of your NYS TAP Grant after the NYS Budget passes. Be sure to list the correct school code for your program (3010 for Associate Degree/Certificate or 6010 for Bachelor Degree).
4. We will do our best to estimate your NYS TAP Grant in your financial aid package to prevent delays. NYS will notify you of your official award amount after the state budget is passed (typically in late spring).

How to Receive your Financial Aid

This is the process flow after we receive the processed copy of your FAFSA form from the Central Processing Servicer. (typically 7-10 days)

1. Watch your SUNY Canton email account for updates! We will notify you if additional documentation is required. (copies of taxes, worksheets, etc.)
2. We will mail all new admitted students a paper letter explaining their awards. Continuing students will receive a postcard reminder. All students will view their financial aid offers through their UCanWeb account.
3. Login to your UCanWeb account and accept or decline your financial aid offers. Your login information was mailed to you in your Enrollment Packet.
4. There may be additional requirements for any awards you have accepted. For example, new loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. View step-by-step tutorials on how to complete your loan requirements.
5. A billing notice will be sent to you each semester (June for fall semester, November for spring semester). You must process your bill, including paying any balance due, before you are considered officially registered for each semester.
6. After classes begin (about 4 weeks), we will start to receive the funds for your financial aid awards and begin to issue any refunds if your aid exceeds your total billed charges.

Continue to watch your email for updates and monitor your account online through your UCanWeb account on a monthly basis throughout the year.

If at any time you have questions on the applications or the process, feel free to contact the One-Hop Shop Student Service Center.