Financial Aid

Understanding the financial aid process.

Financial aid is money that helps students pay for college. The financial aid process can be complex, but in general, the amount of aid you will receive is determined through the following steps.

1. Students and families fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA collects the information needed to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work-Study Program and Federal Direct Student Loans.
2. The FAFSA produces a figure called the Student Aid Index (SAI). This was formerly called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
3. The SAI is subtracted from an institution's cost of attendance.This determines what need-based aid you will receive.

There is much more to know about financing your college education. Please visit the Financial Aid website to learn more. We encourage you to meet one-on-one with a financial aid advisor to get answers to all of your questions.

Big changes are coming to the 2024-25 FAFSA!

A new and improved FAFSA experience is coming. Learn more about the 2024-25 FAFSA on our Financial Aid website.

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Filling Out the FAFSA

• How to apply: Apply online.
• You are encouraged to file the FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered for the best financial aid package.
• UB’s School Code: 002837

After you apply:

Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR). Your FSS will indicate your Student Aid Index for federal student aid programs as calculated by the federal processor. UB’s Financial Aid Office receives this information when you file, so it is not necessary to send us your FSS. Financial aid award notifications are mailed in the spring.

Information for NYS residents:

A separate application is required for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). You will initiate it when you complete the FAFSA. Once you reach the confirmation page, click on “New York Residents Only” to file for TAP. UB’s TAP code is 1010.