Financial Aid

Application Process 2008 - 2009

Remember to file your FAFSA every year!

                        New Federal  (TEACH) Grant program for 2008-2009

Follow the highlighted links below to complete your application process on-line, step by step.

If you are a mid-year transfer student, start at STEP 3.

Step 1

Every Student must obtain a federal PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the US Department of Education. At least one Parent must obtain a federal PIN (Personal Identification Number from the US Department of Education. You and your parent will electronically "sign" your FAFSA and Federal Loans with your PIN. Your PIN will be used each year you apply for assistance.

 If you provide an email address when you applying for your PIN will receive your PIN in as little as 4 hours. If you do not provide an email address you will receive your PIN by mail in 7-10 days.

Step 2

Print out and complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA on the Web Pre-Application Worksheet. You will use this worksheet to complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  You should complete the application as soon as possible after January 1, 2007.  Be sure to choose the "sign application using PIN" option. Oneonta's Federal Code is 002847.

At the end of the FAFSA on-line process, you will have an opportunity to complete a New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. If you miss that opportunity you may complete TAP on the Web now. Oneonta's TAP code is 0930.

Step 3

Check the status of your 2008-2009 FAFSA here (Mid year transfers need 2007-2008 FAFSA). You will need your Federal PIN (Step 1) to access this site. Transfer students must make sure to release their FAFSA data to SUNY Oneonta. You will make that correction electronically by adding school code 002847.  You should also inform New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC) that you will attend SUNY Oneonta. You will make that correction electronically by adding our College Code 0930 in the Managing Your Loan or Grant section.

Step 4

New students will receive an Oneonta PIN (not to be confused with your Federal PIN) to access your personal records at Oneonta Web Services, including financial aid information. Returning students may access this site to change their PIN or update their personal information.

Step 5

You will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter once the College receives your FAFSA data, and you are accepted by the Admissions Office (matriculated).  You should review your award letter and (Terms of Financial Aid awards). You will find additional explanation about your award letter and be familiar with your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student Aid Recipient. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to decline any part of your award.

Step 6

We may require additional documentation from you. We will notify you of any needs that we may have. View your outstanding requirements here. If you or your parent did not keep copies of your federal tax returns, you may want to take the time now to obtain a copy in case we have occasion to ask you for them. Copies may be obtained from your tax preparer or by asking for Form 1722 from Internal Revenue Service (800-829-1040). Do not send copies of tax returns unless requested. Printable Documents here.

Step 7

Once NYS has a completed application and the NYS Budget process has finished you will receive a TAP award certificate from NYSHESC with your official TAP award.  In the meantime you may see an ESTIMATED TAP award appearing on your Financial Aid Award Letter.

You may review your TAP application status and/or make address or college code changes.  Oneonta's TAP code is 0930.Questions about your award should be directed to NYSHESC (888-697-4372).

Step 8

If you never borrowed a Federal Stafford Loan while attending SUNY Oneonta, you must complete a Federal Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling Interview. When you are successful in completing this process you will get a confirmation number. We receive the confirmation the following morning and update our systems to show you completed this requirement. Make sure you choose SUNY College at Oneonta as your college before you begin.

Step 9

First time Stafford Loan borrowers must complete a Electronic Master Promissory Note (e-MPN) . Once you sign an e-MPN, in most cases, you will not have to do so again while you attend SUNY Oneonta*. Any future loans we process for you will be processed automatically without you having to sign new papers. You should periodically review your loan status. The amount we processed will be described on your award letter. Since this will be done automatically you must always let your financial aid counselor know if you do not want all or part of your Federal Stafford Loan as listed on the Award Letter.

During this process you will be asked to provide a lender code. You have the right to borrow your Federal Student Loan from the lender of your choice.  Please review our tips on Choosing a Lender.

*Due to recent legislative changes, some lenders have discontinued participation in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. In the event you have negotiated a MPN for one of these lenders, you will be required to complete a new MPN and choose another lender. If you must sign a new MPN instructions will be sent to you automatically by NYSHESC.  

Step 10

If you will be borrowing a Federal Perkins Loan, you must complete a Perkins Loan Entrance Counseling Interview. We cannot disburse your funds unless you complete this requirement. We will begin mailing Federal Perkins Master Promissory Notes in July. Follow the instructions carefully. You MUST sign and return both the promissory note and the letter.

Step 11

Under Construction

Step 12

Sign your promissory note for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) [This link must open a new browser window]. During this process you will be asked to provide a lender code. You have the right to borrow your Federal Parent Loan from the lender of your choice. Please review our tips on Choosing a Lender.

Step 13

It is important that you update your local and permanent addresses when necessary. All documents are mailed to your address of record.

Step 14

If you borrowed Federal Stafford Loans or Federal Perkins Loans during your attendance at SUNY Oneonta, and stop attending at least 6 credits (you may be transferring, withdrawing, or graduating) you must complete a Federal Stafford Exit Interview and or a Federal Perkins Exit Interview respectively. We will place a hold that will prevent; release of grades, academic transcripts, and diploma until such time that you complete this requirement.

Click here to contact the Financial Aid Office

Remember to file your FAFSA every year!