Applying for Aid

Before you begin filing for financial aid have your tax information or estimates from the appropriate year available.  You will also need your FSA ID to sign your application upon completion. Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Then, follow these steps.

1. File the fafsa

All students must apply each year for Federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. New applicants who reside in New York State should be sure when filing to select the red link to the TAP application if you plan to apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance grant. Use the following SUNY Old Westbury codes when applying:

  • Federal code: 007109
  • New York State code:  0965

Eligible applicants who file the FAFSA will be offered aid based on full-time status. Complete your FAFSA online at 

File your FAFSA

2. review your "SAR" report

The Federal Government will provide you with access to your Student Aid Report via email when you apply online.

Review this FAFSA summary closely. If corrections are required, return the form to the Federal Government or to the SUNY Old Westbury Office of Financial Aid.

3. complete the applicant's statement

Download, complete, sign, and submit the Applicant's Statement Relating to Financial Aid form. Download your Applicant's Statement Relating to Financial Aid

4. Apply for TAP

This step is only for undergraduate students who reside in New York State!

If you did not use the red link provided at the end of the FAFSA on the web application, or if you completed a paper FAFSA application, you will need to complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application process to be considered for a TAP grant. You can complete the TAP application online or request a paper version from the NYS Higher Education Services  Company. You will need your New York State tax information or an estimate from last year to complete the application.

Complete the TAP application 

5. Apply for Scholarships

SUNY Old Westbury students can benefit from scholarships from a variety of sources, including those awarded by the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc.  Don't be shy, apply for private scholarships that apply to you.  Also, if you are an eligible New York State resident, don't forget the Excelsior Scholarship program that can lead to your tuition being fully paid.

Be sure to notify the Office of Financial Aid if you earn an outside scholarship or grant from local, state, or national organizations or companies. These awards may affect your eligibility for other forms of financial aid.

Old Westbury College Foundation Scholarships

Other Private Scholarship Resources

NYS Excelsior Scholarship

6. watch for your award letter

Once we have received your FAFSA information from the Federal Government and any other requested information, we will process your financial aid package.

When we're done, we will send your Financial Aid Award Letter. Your award letter will be posted electronically only on your Financial Aid Dashboard page of the ConnectOW Portal > "Banner" Card > Banner SSB.  

Most aid that is awarded is deducted from the bill as long as you have completed all of the steps that are required for the College to pay the aid to your account.  Learn more about the Financial Aid Status on your account. 

Review the aid awarded and decide whether you will accept or decline any loans or work-study being offered. 

We also suggest you print a copy of Award Letter for your records.

Notification begins in March.

7. apply for direct student loans

Your Award Letter may direct you to seek a loan. The U.S. Government offers students the Federal Direct Student Loan program, which consists of:

  • Subsidized Loans (for students)
  • Unsubsidized Loans (for students)
  • Parent PLUS Loans (parents of dependent undergraduate students)
  • Graduate PLUS Loans (graduate/professional students)

Please speak with your financial aid counselor about specific terms for each loan type. Further information is also available on the Federal Student Aid website. The loan process takes 4-6 weeks to complete.

Download the Undergraduate Direct Loan Request/Confirmation Form

Download the Graduate Student Direct Loan Request/Confirmation Form

8. Respond to inquiries

Respond promptly to any inquiries from federal and state agencies and from the SUNY Old Westbury Office of Financial Aid.

Delays in receipt of needed information will delay the review process, mailing of award letters, and disbursement of funds.

Not submitting requested documentation may result in a forfeiture of your financial aid eligibility!

9. Pay Your Bill

After accepting your aid, be certain to make arrangements to make payment on any remainder to your bill when it is posted to ConnectOW by the Office of the Bursar. Visit the Office of the Bursar page for more information about paying your bill.