An unknown factor about attending college for many is regarding cost. You know that you want to go to college, and what you want to study, but you don’t exactly know how you’re going to pay for it. Being hardworking and ambitious should not also mean drowning in debt once you’ve got a degree in hand. SUNY not only understands this, but connects prospective, incoming, and current students, to multiple tracks of financial support.
Recently the Association of College Council Members and College Trustees (ACT) held their 47th annual conference. This conference was not only a great opportunity to engage in panels regarding student financial aid, Excelsior Scholarship, and many other topics concerning students, but also presented the opportunity to award four students ACT scholarships which focus on the academic achievements and service of students to their campus and/or community. These students were nominated by their campuses based on their academic excellence and their active participation in community service. Students from Fredonia, Farmingdale State, Purchase College, Oneonta, and UBuffalo were lucky to receive these scholarships.
In addition to the ACT scholarships, one Nancy Zimpher Scholarship for Teacher Education was also awarded. This new award, announced earlier this spring, provides a SUNY student studying to become a teacher a $1,500 scholarship, which will “recognize a teacher education major who personifies a commitment to excellence in the elementary and secondary teacher education profession.” It was created in recognition of Chancellor Zimpher’s dedication and commitment to improving teacher preparation with SUNY and in service to all of New York State.
These are just a few of the many ways students get a leg up on college affordability at SUNY.
More financial aid options
The scholarships mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety of financial aid at SUNY. There is a new scholarship program that was announced this year in New York State called the Excelsior Scholarship. This scholarship makes it possible, for students with families making up to $125,000 a year, to attend a SUNY or CUNY school potentially tuition-freeThe Excelsior Scholarship is able to do this by filling in the gaps between what is covered for students with general financial aid, and what is not.
Along with the new Excelsior Scholarship program, there is also
- the Education Opportunity Program (EOP), which aims to help students not only gain admission to college, but to also afford it and complete on time.
- the Carey Gabay scholarship annually awards full cost-of-attendance scholarships to attend State University of New York State-operated campus to five students who – like Carey – achieved academic excellence despite an economically disadvantaged background.
- State and federal programs like the federal Pell Grant, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the many campus scholarships offer many more options for students.
- many more.
When it comes to affordability, SUNY Smart Track helps students understand all of these options, providing comprehensive and clear information about each student’s financial aid, to ensure everyone can comfortably understand their funding.
Putting your best foot forward and earning scholarships through SUNY requires hard work, but it’s work that can be enjoyed as you earn your way to financial aid and college completion. The opportunities are there waiting for you.
