Finding the Resources for a College Education

Welcome to the financial aid home page. Many students and parents are finding it increasingly difficult to finance a college education. We believe that no student should be denied access to the educational experience because of a lack of funds. The task of our staff is to equitably distribute limited funds to students, following regulations and laws designed to direct educational funds to those who need them most.

Analyze Resources

To analyze your needs and resources, and to establish your eligibility for various programs, you will need to answer several questions. The application process may seem somewhat complicated and difficult, because we must be precise in identifying students’ needs.

Applications to Complete:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Title IV School Code: 006788)
• New York State TAP Application for full-time students only (School Code: 2260)
• Tompkins Cortland Community College Financial Aid Data Sheet
• Aid for part-time study application (for part-time students only)

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Establish "Financial Need"

Two factors determine your eligibility for financial aid. First, your expenses for the school year are calculated, taking into account a variety of factors, such as living accommodations and marital status. Second, the expected contribution by you and your family toward school expenses is determined. These contributions are subtracted from the expenses. The remaining amount is referred to as your "financial need." This amount of "financial need" determines the amount of financial aid awarded.

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education when your resources cannot meet college costs. Federal and state financial aid is based on the philosophy that parents have the primary responsibility for financing their child's education, even if you are no longer a minor, living at home, or if you are currently employed. Your financial need is determined by using the following features:

Cost of Attendance:

Includes tuition, fees, books, room, board, personal, and transportation to and from class.

Student & Parent Resources:

Parent contribution plus student employment and other taxable income.

Student Need:

The financial aid office attempts to meet student need through an award package composed of grants, student employment, and loans.

Required Application:

FAFSA Pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in your high school guidance office or the financial aid office if you are interested in these programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal Stafford Loan
• Federal College Workstudy

Male citizens of the U.S. and male immigrant aliens 18 through 25 years old must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System to be eligible for federal student loans and grants.

Men can register at any post office, or now register online.

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Office Hours

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday

Please Note: The office is generally open during the lunch hour. Appointments may be scheduled any weekday.