Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE)

• Cost of Attendance Award: (up to $550/year). This is applied to the non-tuition components costs after all other aid has been applied. 
• Monthly Stipend: ($50/month, up to $400/year). This stipend is for active participation in ACE. 
• Textbook Stipend: ($150/semester, up to $300/year). This stipend offsets the cost of textbooks and instructional materials. 
• Your own personal ACE Advisor 
• Winter/Summer course tuition scholarships assistance
• Summer program and extended orientation experience
• Priority registration for classes 
• On-time graduation*

*An extra year of study can cost you more than $55,000 in tuition, fees, and lost wages (based on a full-time job at $15/hour)

ACE serves first-time, first-year students* or incoming transfer students who have completed an Associate’s degree who meet the following criteria:

• Be eligible for in-state tuition
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (NYS DREAM Act students also eligible)
• Enrolled full-time
• Receiving Pell Grant as part of their financial aid package
  • For Fall 2024, students are not required to be in receipt of Pell but must be in receipt of at least $1 of federal or state financial aid.
• Completed their annual FAFSA and TAP applications

* Students admitted through Bridges or the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) are not eligible for ACE. Both programs offer a similar set of financial and program supports to their students. 

Note: All majors are eligible to participate in ACE except the Online Politics major.

1. In order to accept your SUNY Potsdam offer of admission and secure your spot, please complete your Intent to Enroll Form found in your student status portal and submit the required enrollment deposit as soon as possible.
    
2. If you have not already applied for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application.  This step must be completed as soon as possible to be eligible for ACE. *
    
3. Complete all enrollment steps as listed on the New Student Checklist.
    
4. Attend an ACE Info Session to learn about ACE and complete a program commitment agreement. Info sessions will begin in March 2024 for students entering in Fall 2024. 

*All students (except those who are unable to apply due to immigration status) must complete both FAFSA and TAP applications. We encourage those who do not meet eligibility requirements for federal and state aid to check eligibility and apply for funds through the New York State Dream Act.

1. Register for the ACE Seminar in your first semester (for those entering Fall 2024)
2. Meet with your ACE Advisor at least once per month 
3. Participate in all academic support activities, such as workshops, weekly math study group sessions and writing workshops throughout the semester as needed 
4. Maintain full-time status, taking at least 15 credits hours during the semester 
5. Respond to all communications from ACE staff 
6. Complete all career development activities in the ACE Career Development Plan 
7. Enroll in courses during the summer term if 30 credits are not earned by the end of academic year 
8. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application at www.hesc.ny.gov each year and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, SEOG, TAP) 
9. Commit to graduating within four years by following a four-year academic advisement plan approved by your ACE academic advisor