Awards
We itemize each of the awards you qualify for and tell you the amount
for each semester. You may pick and choose the awards that best suits
your needs. As described below, some awards are grants that are not
repaid. Other awards are loans that must be repaid and still others are
work programs where you are paid based on the number of hours you
perform work.
Grant Programs
Federal PELL Grant
is a Federal Grant program. Eligibility is determined by Congress.
For more information about this and other Federal Aid Programs review
The Guide to Federal Student Aid, published by the Department of Education. The award may be used to defer
charges.
Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
is a Federal Grant Program. This program is for exceptionally needy students. These funds may be used to defer
charges.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for
College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
TEACH is a Federal Grant Program with a teaching service obligation.
This program provides up to $4000 per academic year for full time
study. In exchange for the grant the student must agree to serve as a full time teacher in
a high need field (currently defined as Bilingual education and
English language acquisition, Foreign language, Mathematics, Reading
specialist, Science, Special education) in a
school serving low
income students for at least four academic years within eight years
of completing the program of study. If the student does not satisfy
the service obligation, the amounts of the TEACH Grants received are
treated as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan and must be
repaid with interest. The Department of Education website can
provide additional
details.
To be eligible a student must:
1.) file a FAFSA,
2.) meet general Title IV eligibility criteria
3.) currently matriculated (in your first undergraduate degree) in one of the following programs:
Undergraduate (01):
*CHED Childhood Education (1-6)
*ECCE Early Child/Childhood Education (B-6)
*ECHE Early Childhood Education (B-2)
*MVCH Childhood Education (1-6) MVCC Campus
AEBI Adolescent Education Biology
AECM Adolescent Education Chemistry
AEES Adolescent Education Earth Science
AEFR Adolescent Education French
AEMA Adolescent Education Mathematics
AEPH Adolescent Education Physics
AESP Adolescent Education Spanish
FCSE Family and Consumer Sciences Education
*FREN French
*SPAN Spanish
Graduate (02):
**ADOL Adolescence Education
**ETEC Educational Technology Specialist
LB6 Literacy Education (B-6)
L512 Literacy Education (5-12)
FCSE Family and Consumer Sciences Education
SPEC Special Education; Early Childhood
Education
SPCD Special Education; Childhood Education
SPAD Special Education; Adolescence Education
FLED Foreign Language Education
*In order to obtain a teaching job in a high-need
field, you must complete a master's program in a high-need field.
**In order to be eligible you must already have
certification in a high need field.
4.) Intend to teach in a high need field at a public or private
elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income
families and
5.) Maintain a 3.25 gpa or in the case of first year undergrad
a 3.25 high school gpa based on a 4.0 scale or in the case of first
year grad a 3.25 undergrad gpa. GPA requirment is waived if you
scored above the 75th percentile on any nationally normed
standardized admission test.
To apply the
student must make an appointment with his/her financial aid
counselor where additional steps will be explained.
Academic Competitive Grant (ACG)
is a Federal Grant Program. This program awards up to $750 for the
first year and $1,300 for the second year. Eligibility criteria
include (but not limited to) U.S. Citizenship, Federal Pell Grant
recipient, and completed a rigorous secondary
school program after January 1, 2006. Second year students must
achieve at least a 3.0 GPA at the beginning of their second year
(including any transfer credits). These funds may be used to defer
charges.
National Science and Mathematics Access
to Retain Talent (SMART)
Grant is
a Federal Grant Program. This program awards up to $4,000 for two
years. Eligibility criteria include (but not limited to) U.S.
Citizenship, Federal Pell Grant recipient, and
majoring in science, computer science, technology, math, or certain
foreign languages. Specific eligible majors are defined by
Congress. You must also maintain a 3.0 GPA (including all transfer
credits) for each term you receive an award. . These funds may be used to defer
charges.
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
is a grant program for New York State residents attending an approved
college in New York State. Eligible applicants must have resided in New
York for 12 consecutive months; be enrolled as a full time student in a
degree program; be a citizen or permanent resident of the United
States; you must declare your major in writing no later than the second
half of your sophomore year and have a New York State Net Taxable
income within legislated limits (for income limits see the TAP
application booklet). For additional information about this and other
New York State aid programs review
New York State Higher
Educational Services Corporation (NYSHESC).
We will estimate your TAP award until we receive notice from NYSHESC
of your actual award amount. Awards are contingent upon passage of the
New York State Budget. Your official TAP Award Certificate from NYSHESC
will be used to defer charges.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
funds are New York State grants which may be used to defer charges.
Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
is a New York State grant program for eligible undergraduate degree
students enrolled for 3-11 hours per semester.
State University Supplemental Tuition Award (SUSTA)
is a grant for students who receive a maximum TAP award and used four
semesters of TAP.
Work Programs
If your Award Letter contains a Federal
Work-Study (FWS) Award, a Federal Work Study Information
Sheet will be mailed to you soon. Please read the instruction sheet
carefully so that you may find a job that is compatible with your work
experience and your class schedule. Students with Awards from the
Federal Work-Study Program must work to earn this money. Students
employed under this program will be paid every two weeks. These funds
cannot be used to defer charges.
Note:
Financial Aid Awards are contingent upon the College receiving adequate
federal funds to support these programs. In the event of any changes,
you will be notified. State and Federal budget discussions may lead to
changes in funding levels, cost increases, or regulatory changes.
Loan Programs
Federal Perkins Loans
are long term, low interest Federal educational loans. The interest rate is 5%
and students may have up to ten years to repay the loan depending on
the aggregate amount borrowed. Students who have outstanding Federal
Perkins Loans have nine (9) months after termination of study before
repayment begins. These funds may be used to defer charges.
The Federal Stafford Loan
is a Federal educational loan with a low interest rate and extended
repayment. Eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan is on the same
basis as other need-based student financial aid.
The Unsubsidized Federal Loan (Unsub)
Students who do not demonstrate "financial need" for a subsidized
Federal Stafford Loan, are eligible to borrow an unsubsidized
Federal Stafford Loan.
Special Note: Students who borrow in the Stafford Loan program complete
an Electronic Master Promissory Note (e-MPN) , which remains in
effect throughout the student's college career (with exceptions). This
procedure eliminates the need to complete subsequent Promissory notes
each award year. Instructions regarding e-MPN are automatically mailed to new borrowers. Previous Stafford Loan borrowers
who previously negotiated an e-MPN
therefore will not complete a new one. However, returning studentsmust
notify the Financial Aid Office if they wish to reduce or decline any
loan offered on this Award Letter.
Approved loans can be used to defer charges. Borrowers should be aware that banks retain a processing fee
up to 3 percent of the full loan before disbursing funds to Oneonta.
The Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)
is a federal loan for parents of dependent students. SUNY Oneonta
automatically packages PLUS in aid packages and let parents decide if
they want to pursue it further or not. A parent may choose to borrow
none, some or all of their eligibility. The amount appearing on the
award letter represents the maximum amount a parent may borrow. The parent's credit
history is considered by the lender before approving the loan. In the
event a parent does not qualify for this loan, the student may become
eligible for additional Federal Unsubsidized Loan. Contact your
financial aid counselor to discuss this option.
Approved loans can be used to defer charges. Borrowers should be aware that banks retain a processing fee up to 3
percent of the full loan before disbursing funds to Oneonta.
Other Programs
We have included private scholarships or assistance which you have
informed us. It is your responsibility to inform the Financial Aid
Office about any private scholarships/awards you will receive.
Student Budget
This is the sum of direct charges
(charges billed by the College at Oneonta) and indirect costs (other
costs you may experience while attending the College at Oneonta)
Your financial aid package, along with your personal resources, attempts to cover
average expenses (direct charges and indirect costs) associated with
attending SUNY Oneonta.
Your actual expenses will
vary based upon choices you make for; living arrangements, dining
choice, type and frequency of travel/commuting, purchase of new/used
books, and usual personal needs.
Direct Costs
These are average charges payable to the College at Oneonta. Such
charges
include tuition, fees, and perhaps room and board (if you live on
campus). Charges for residence living and meal plans vary
according to the living arrangement and meal plans you choose. Your
financial aid eligibility is based upon an average, not
upon actual charges. If your actual charges
exceed the average you must expect to pay the the
difference from personal resources or use financial aid designated for
other charges. Your financial aid eligibility will not increase. You
may be able to defer payment for these charges with your financial aid
awards. Those awards are identified below.
Financial aid disbursements are first
used to pay direct costs. After direct costs are paid any additional
financial aid disbursements are refunded to the student/parent and can
be used for indirect costs.
Indirect Costs
These are costs a student may incur while
attending the College at Oneonta. Such costs include traveling home
when classes are not in session,
books, personal expenses, and rent (if you live off campus and this is
equal to the allowance you would receive if chose to live on campus) .
Your financial aid eligibility is based upon an average,
not upon actual costs. If your actual costs
exceed the average you must expect to pay the the
difference from personal resources. Your financial aid eligibility will
not increase. Since these costs originate from sources external to the
College you will be expected to pay for these products and services,
not defer payment with your financial aid.
Notes
Financial Aid is a two step process. The
first step; the eligibility phase is represented by your award letter.
The second step is to turn that eligibility into cash that you can use
to actually pay your expenses. This second step requires additional
steps that will occur over the coming months. For some kinds of
financial aid these steps are very easy, others are more complex. Be
assured we will assist you each step of the way. Our goal is to
convert all eligibility for which you are interested, into real money
that you can use to pay your tuition bill and become available to you for your
other expenses.
It is in this section we point out
specific issues and or instructions related to individual programs
listed on your letter. Pay particular attention to these details and
let us know if you need any help or further explanation.
In certain
circumstances we are required to make adjustments to your awards. Some
examples include; receiving additional scholarship awards, becoming an
RA or ATM. When a revision is made,
we will mail a Revised Award Letter to you.
Revised Award letters supersede all previous award letters.
