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Financial Aid: FAFSA and CSS Profile

(Updated: November 8, 2024)

 

Financial Aid Night was held on Monday, September 30th at 7:00 pm in the High School Auditorium.  The full presentation can be seen by clicking the following link:

Fall 2024 Financial Aid Presentation


Due to a delay in the release of the FAFSA by the Federal Government, the FAFSA Completion event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 21st in the CHS Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00pm.   At this event, students with their parents/contributors, will be able to complete their own personal financial aid applications with a goal of submitting their applications for review that evening!  

The new FAFSA requires both students and parents/contributors to complete sections of the FAFSA independently.  As a result, students AND parents/contributors must attend this event together in order to successfully complete and submit the FAFSA.  To find out who is considered a “contributor” on the new FAFSA, please review the information on the following link: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/parent-info

In order to attend these completion events, both students and parents/contributors must attend and have the following information: 

  • A working FSA ID and password for both student and parent/contributor as created on www.studentaid.gov
    • Parents/contributors with FSA IDs from previous FAFSA submissions do not need to create a new account.
    • Accounts must be made using a private email address.  Students are not able to create FSA accounts using their CCSLI email address.
    • Students must have a Social Security number in order to submit a FAFSA application.
  • 2023 income tax information
  • Parent and student w2 forms 
  • District issued student chromebook

Follow up information and reminders will be sent prior to the event.  We look forward to supporting you and your students in navigating the new FAFSA.

At this event, no CHS or SCCC staff members will be evaluating personal documents, finances or assets, or making aid determinations, but will be available to assist with questions regarding the filing of financial aid applications.  There is also no requirement to apply to or attend Suffolk County Community College to participate in these events.  

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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Completing the Redesigned FAFSA 

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. You must fill out the FAFSA to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. Most colleges use your FAFSA to make their financial aid awards as well.  New York State requires students to complete the FAFSA application to be eligible for state based loans and grants. 

The FAFSA was redesigned last school year.  This means that any student looking to enroll in college must apply using the new form.  The Federal Government has indicated that the FAFSA for students looking to enroll in college in the Fall of 2025 is expected to be released by December 1, 2024.  Click HERE to read about the changes to the new form. 

Changes to the FAFSA:

  • Shortened form- The new FAFSA is said to be significantly shorter than the previous form.  
  • "Contributor"- The term used to identify the parent(s) or guardian(s) responsible for completing the FAFSA, such as biological, adoptive, or stepparents.  Click HERE to see who will be identified as a contributor on the new form. 
  • Consent forms must be completed by all contributors to facilitate transfer of financial information into the FAFSA.
  • Student Aid Index (SAI)- How much aid a student is eligible to receive based on their family income.  This replaces the previously used "estimated family contribution" (EFC).  Click HERE to complete a student aid estimator.  *NOTE- this is NOT the same as submitting the FAFSA.  You will still need to complete a FAFSA application. 

Click HERE to see informational videos on the new FAFSA from the Federal Government.

While you wait for the new FAFSA to be released, students and identified "contributor(s)" can create their FSA ID by clicking HERE.  

*Please make sure to keep your FSA ID and password.  You will need this same ID and password for every year you apply for FAFSA. 
**Contributors/parents with FSA IDs from older students already enrolled in college do not need to get a new FSA ID.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Students residing in New York State who plan on attending college/university in New York are eligible for additional aid through the TAP application.  Please make sure to complete this application once your FAFSA has been submitted.  More information is available on the HESC website.

Financial Aid: Apply with the CSS Profile

What is CSS?

The CSS is an online application to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid, which is administered by the College Board, creator of the SAT®. Not every college requires it, but hundreds of colleges do, so be sure to first check the list of schools to determine whether your child needs to complete the application.  This year, with the delay of the new FAFSA, more schools are using the CSS Profile to start the financial aid process for prospective students. It's also important to see if the school requires students of divorced parents to complete the additional Noncustodial PROFILE.

Where do I begin?  Click HERE to be directed to the College Board website to start your CSS profile.