Step 1: Paying for College
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Step 2: The FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
All students, prospective freshman, transfers, continuing or graduate, need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal grants, loans and work-study.
For the latest updates on the 2024-2025 FAFSA, go online here.
Never done a FAFSA before? Watch some short videos on how to fill out the FAFSA.
For the latest updates on the 2024-2025 FAFSA click here:
As you complete the FAFSA, be sure to...
- File the FAFSA after January 1.
- Use the student's correct Social Security number!
- Complete all forms using your full given name on your Social Security Card.
- Never leave spaces blank - even if the answer is "0".
- 10 Common FAFSA Mistakes
- Use/Create your FSA ID to log into your FAFSA. Your parent has to sign with his/her FSA ID too, if you are a dependent student.
- File by the recommended deadline: May 1 for all students.
- Save your FSA ID in a secure place for future use.
Step 3: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
The Federal Government will provide you with access to your FAFSA submission summary via email. There will be a delay if you file your FAFSA between January and March as FAFSAs are not being processed until mid March. Please review this FAFSA summary and make corrections to your FAFSA if necessary.
Step 4: NYS TAP: New York State Tuition Assistance Program
Undergraduate New York State (NYS) Residents attending NYS schools will have a reminder to complete their TAP application at the FAFSA confirmation page.
You may need to wait until your FAFSA is processed (mid-March) to submit your TAP application. Select SUNY Potsdam (SUC Potsdam or school code 0945).
Step 5: Institutional Scholarship Information
New students (freshmen or transfer) do not need to submit a scholarship application. Students will be reviewed with their admissions materials and notified of eligibility from the Admissions Office. Find more information here.
Continuing Students are reviewed for scholarship eligibility through the department of your major. Check with your department to see if an application is required. Continuing students looking to study abroad or intern should visit the Lougheed Center for Applied Learning.
Step 6: Private Scholarships
Notify One Stop if you will be receiving outside scholarships or grants from local, state, national, or corporate organizations. These awards may impact your financial aid eligibility.