Financial Aid/Scholarships

• New York State Programs
• Federal Programs
• Other Federal Aid
• Independent/Non-Traditional Students
• Good Academic Standing for Financial Aid Eligibility
• Scholarships

Financial Aid Office
Miller Building, Room 205
607-753-4717
Fax: 607-753-5990
Email: financial.aid@cortland.edu
cortland.edu/tuition-aid/

Information contained in the financial aid section of this catalog is reflective of federal/state/college information and regulations as of summer 2019 and is subject to change.

The Financial Aid Office exists to provide a broad range of financial services, advice and education to students, their families and the Cortland area community. Services include all of the functions normally associated with financial aid and a number of additional services targeted both to aid recipients and to those students not receiving traditional need-based financial aid.

The bulk of the office's activity still revolves around grants, scholarships, student loans and Work Study, but the office also provides information about everything from student credit cards to parent loans. It also endeavors to educate students on general financial literacy matters, from budgeting and proper credit use, to identity theft prevention and managing a credit report/FICO score.

The Financial Aid Office staff is available throughout a student's Cortland experience to share financial knowledge and provide good-sense answers to financial questions. Students are invited to visit the office and meet with an advisor.

The Basics of Traditional Financial Aid

An individual student may receive a combination of funding from grant, scholarship, loan and Work Study programs, which together are known as a financial aid package. Each package is created with a focus on the individual student's unique situation.

Most traditional student financial aid is awarded based on financial need. Need is defined as the total cost of college attendance minus the amount the family is able to pay. The amount the family is able to pay is called the expected family contribution and is determined based on a formula mandated under federal law. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies plus allowances for personal expenses and transportation.

The Financial Aid Office also administers many funding programs that are not based on need, including veterans benefits, parent loans and alternative loans. The total aid received from all programs combined can never exceed the student's cost of attendance.

The Financial Aid Application Procedure

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required each year that a student requests financial assistance. SUNY Cortland's priority deadline for filing the application is Feb. 1 prior to the award year. While those who apply late are still eligible for certain financial aid programs, late applicants are likely to experience significant delays in the processing and payment of awards.

Students are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA application online at fafsa.ed.gov. Early filing of the FAFSA is strongly recommended, but this document may not be submitted prior to Oct. 1 preceding the award year.

The submission of a FAFSA results in the production of a Student Aid Report (SAR) which is emailed or sent to student's home address. The data also are sent electronically to SUNY Cortland's Financial Aid Office and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC). The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility for federal student financial aid such as grants, loans, work-study and other need-based higher education assistance sources.

Types of Financial Aid

There are four basic types of aid programs — grants, scholarships, loans and employment. Funds received from grants, scholarships and employment do not have to be repaid. The amount and usage may be restricted. Most aid programs are subject to legislative revision from time to time, and the descriptions that follow are based on information that is accurate at the time of publication.

New York State Programs

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Application Procedures: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC), 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12255, offers an online application process based on information reported in the FAFSA filed by students. Students are encouraged to complete the online TAP application immediately after completing the online FAFSA.

NYSHESC determines applicants' eligibility and emails an award certificate to applicants indicating the amount of the grant. Award data are sent to the Financial Aid Office electronically, and the College automatically defers payment on approved TAP awards.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: The TAP grant is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. The applicant must:

• be a New York state resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien;
• be enrolled full-time and matriculated at an approved New York state postsecondary institution;
• meet family net taxable income criteria.

Students attending on a part-time basis because of a disability may receive a partial TAP award. These students should self-identify to the Financial Aid Office for part-time TAP consideration.

Undergraduate students generally may receive TAP awards for four years, eight semesters, of study. Students enrolled in approved five-year programs, or in a state-sponsored opportunity program (EOP), may receive undergraduate awards for five years.

Award Schedule: The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to level of study, tuition charge and family New York state net taxable income. The income measure is by family or independent student net taxable income from the prior tax year and, for dependent students support from divorced or separated parents. This income is further adjusted to reflect other family members enrolled full time in postsecondary study. Under no circumstances will the total TAP award exceed tuition charges.

Note: Full-time students who repeat courses that they have passed, for the purpose of improving their grades, may jeopardize their eligibility for TAP. Regulations provide that students must take at least 12 credit hours of new coursework that applies to the degree program each semester to qualify for full-time status. If any of those 12 hours are in a course being retaken for the purpose of improving a previous passing grade, the student will fail to qualify as a full-time student and will lose eligibility for TAP.

Excelsior Scholarship

Application Procedures: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC), 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12255, offers an online application process. Students are encouraged to complete the Excelsior application at hesc.ny.gov available through August 15, 2019.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: The applicant must:

• be a New York state resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien;
• be enrolled full time and matriculated at an approved New York state postsecondary institution;
• meet family household adjusted gross taxable income criteria;
• complete 30 credits per year

An Excelsior Scholarship recipient can receive up to $5,500 from the Excelsior Scholarship, minus any amounts received for TAP, Pell or other scholarships. The remainder of the tuition charge (up to $970) will be covered through an Excelsior Tuition Credit paid through SUNY.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

An applicant must:

• be a New York state resident;
• be academically disadvantaged according to definitions promulgated by the Office of Special Programs of the State University;
• have the potential to complete a degree program at SUNY Cortland,
• be economically disadvantaged according to guidelines approved by the Board of Regents and the director of the budget. Students are admitted to EOP at the time of acceptance to SUNY Cortland and may not enter the program after attending as a non-EOP student. Selection of eligible applicants is conducted by the Admissions and Financial Aid offices in conjunction with EOP guidelines.

ACCES-VR Grants (formerly VESID)

Information about state-provided financial assistance to students with disabilities may be obtained from the regional office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation.

Aid for Part-time Study (APTS)

This program is for part-time undergraduate students enrolled in degree programs in New York state. Part-time study is defined as being enrolled for three to 11 credit hours per semester.

Application Procedure: Students should contact the SUNY Cortland Financial Aid Office annually for an application form. The form must be completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office with any required supporting documents. Students must also complete a FAFSA form to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. APTS applications must be received in financial aid by the 30th day of the semester in order to be considered for that semester. Fall applicants are automatically considered for spring semester awards. No awards are made for summer.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: Applicants must be working toward an undergraduate degree as part-time students; be residents of New York state; be either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or refugee; and apply for a federal Pell Grant (FAFSA). Funds for this program are limited and are directed to those students with the greatest need.

State Aid to Native Americans

Application Procedures: Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Education Building, Room 543, Albany, NY 12234. The completed application form should be forwarded by the applicant to the Native American Education Unit along with the following materials:

• official transcript of high school record or photocopy of General Equivalency Diploma;
• letter(s) of recommendation from one or more leaders in the community attesting to personality and character;
• personal letter, setting forth clearly and in detail educational plans and desires;
• signatures of the parents of minor applicants, approving education plans;
• official tribal certification form.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: The applicant must:

• be a member of one of the Native American tribes located on reservations within New York state;
• have graduated from an approved high school or have earned a General Equivalency Diploma or be enrolled in a program in an approved postsecondary institution leading to degree-credit status and the General Equivalency Diploma;
• be enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution in New York state. State aid to Native Americans is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards.

Award Schedule: The award is for a maximum of four years of full-time study, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students registered less than full time will be funded at a reduced level.

Rights and Responsibilities of Recipients: Students are responsible for notifying the Native American Education Unit in writing of any change in student status or program or institutional enrollment.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans

Application Procedures: A special application, obtainable from the high school principal or counselor, must be filed with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYHESC), 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12255. Documentary evidence to establish eligibility is required with the application. Any high school counselor can provide assistance with this.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: The applicant must be the child of a veteran who died or who has a current disability of 40 percent or more or who had such disability at the time of death, resulting from U.S. military service during one of the following periods:

April 16, 1917-Nov. 11, 1918
Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946
June 27, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955
Oct. 1, 1961-May 7, 1975
Aug. 2, 1990-end of hostilities

and a legal resident of New York state.

Legal residence in New York state on the part of the parent is also required at the time of entry into military service or, if the parent died as the result of military service, at the time of death.

Regents awards to children of deceased or disabled veterans are independent of family income or tuition charge, and are in addition to such other grants or awards to which the applicant may be entitled.

Award Schedule: The award is available for up to five years, depending on the normal length of the program of study or full-time study in a college or in a hospital nursing school in New York state.

Awards for Children of Corrections Officers

These awards are available to the children of corrections officers deceased or disabled in the line of duty in New York state. The terms of the award are almost identical to the children of deceased or disabled veterans awards above except for the service date and location restrictions. Applicants may request application materials from NYSHESC by calling 888-NYS-HESC.

Memorial Scholarships for Children and Spouses Of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters

These awards are available to the spouses and children of police officers and firefighters killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. Awards are for full SUNY undergraduate tuition and certain additional non-tuition costs in conjunction with other state and federal grants. Applicants may request application materials from NYSHESC by calling 888-NYS-HESC.

Vietnam Veteran/Persian Gulf Veteran Tuition Award

These awards are available to full- and part-time students who are Vietnam or Persian Gulf veterans and enrolled in undergraduate programs at degree-granting institutions in New York state. The awards may not exceed tuition. In cases where the applicants have received Tuition Assistant Program (TAP) awards, the combined awards may be no greater than tuition and the TAP awards will be reduced accordingly.

Application Procedure: Applicants may obtain Vietnam Veterans/ Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award Supplement forms from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC), 99 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12255 or by calling 888-NYS-HESC.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: Applicants must

• have been residents of New York state on April 20, 1984, or at the time of entry into service and resume residency by Sept. 1, 1987;
• have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Indochina between Jan. 1, 1963, and May 7, 1975, or the Persian Gulf War between Aug. 2, 1990 and the end of hostilities;
• be discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under other than dishonorable conditions;
• be enrolled in approved undergraduate programs in degree-granting institutions in New York state; and
• have applied for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Pell Grant awards.

Federal Programs

Title IV Student Aid

The term Title IV Student Aid is used to describe the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal TEACH Grant/Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan and Federal Direct PLUS (Parent) Loan programs. A single application procedure is used for these programs, and the application data are used to determine eligibility for many other programs.

Application Procedures: Students apply for Title IV Aid by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted for processing according to the directions. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be available to the applicant from the federal processor and the application data will be transmitted electronically to the Financial Aid Office. Based upon these data, the student's eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office. Funds are paid directly to the student's institutional account. Overages above billed charges are refunded directly to the student by College and Student Accounting Services.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is a grant for students from lower-income households. Students are eligible for Pell Grants until they have received their first bachelor's degree, dependent upon continuing need. Federal Pell Grants are awarded for a maximum of 12 semesters or approximately six years. The amount of the award will be affected by federal allocation, cost of attendance and full- or part-time enrollment status.

Application Procedures: Students who submit the FAFSA are automatically considered for this aid source based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the federal formula.
Responsibilities of Recipients: Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress in the program in which they are enrolled. The students must not owe any refunds on Pell Grant or other awards paid or be in default on repayment of any student loan.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

The Federal SEOG program is a federal grant program designed to supplement the Pell Grant program. A limited amount of funding is available for Pell-eligible students with additional need. Early submission of the FAFSA application will ensure a student's consideration for SEOG awards.

Application Procedures: Students who submit the FAFSA are automatically considered for this aid source based on need and timeliness of FAFSA application.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: SEOG grants are available to Pell-eligible students enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate degree program. The student must continue to make satisfactory academic progress to maintain eligibility.

TEACH Grant/Loan

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to a maximum of $4,000 a year in grant assistance to students who plan on becoming a teacher and meet certain specified requirements. If a student who receives a TEACH Grant does not complete the required teaching, the grant must be repaid as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Students should contact their advisor in the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

This program provides part-time employment opportunities for students on campus and in the community. Students are paid as regular part-time employees except that no FICA tax is withheld.

Application Procedures: Students who submit the FAFSA are automatically considered for this aid source based on need and timeliness of FAFSA application.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: Positions are generally awarded to full-time undergraduate students. The student must continue to make satisfactory academic progress to maintain eligibility. Factors considered by the Financial Aid Office in placing students to positions are student location preferences, class schedule, activity schedule and health status. The hourly rate of pay is minimum wage.

Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

These loans are the traditional student loans that are provided by the federal government.

Application Procedures: Students who submit the FAFSA are automatically considered for this aid source based on need. SUNY Cortland's financial aid package will automatically include Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford student loan eligibility. Completion of the Award Package Acceptance on myRedDragon is required for loan funds to be processed.

Special Note: All borrowers will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) through the U.S. Department of Education website. An entrance interview also is required of all first-time student loan borrowers. Students complete these requirements at the studentloans.gov website.

The Federal Direct Parent Loan For Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The PLUS loan is a student loan that a parent borrows to assist in funding educational expenses for a dependent child. PLUS loan eligibility is based upon the student's enrollment and Title IV eligibility and may be denied for parents with an adverse credit history. The loan amount is limited to the cost of education minus any estimated or actual financial aid eligibility.

Application Procedures: Although PLUS loans are not based on financial need, students must submit the FAFSA to prove eligibility (citizenship match, social security number verification, selective service registration, etc.) before a parent may borrow. Since many parents choose not to borrow, SUNY Cortland does not automatically add a PLUS loan to a student's financial aid package. Parents may visit the Financial Aid Office website for instructions on how to apply.

Responsibilities of Recipients: Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress in the program in which they are enrolled. The students must not owe any refunds on Pell Grant or other awards paid, or be in default on repayment of any student loan.

Other Federal Aid

United States Bureau of Indian Affairs Aid to Native Americans

Application Procedures: Application forms may be obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Education, 849 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20240-0001. The name and mailing address of the applicant's tribe should be stated with the request. An application is necessary for each year of study. An official needs analysis from the College Financial Aid Office also is required each year. Each first-time applicant must obtain tribal enrollment certification from the bureau, agency or tribe that records enrollment for the tribe.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: To be eligible, the applicant must

1. be at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut;
2. be an enrolled member of a tribe, band or group recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
3. be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in an approved college or university, pursuing at least a four-year degree; and
4. have financial need.

Rights and Responsibilities of Recipients: For grants to be awarded in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress toward a degree and show financial need. Depending on availability of funds, grants also may be made to graduate students and summer session students. Eligible married students also may receive living expenses for dependents.

Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits

Armed forces veterans planning to receive benefits under veterans educational benefits programs should contact the College's Veterans Affairs coordinator in the Financial Aid Office immediately after verification of admission. Policies about benefits are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and questions should be directed to the regional VA office in Buffalo, N.Y.

Tutoring is available without cost to veterans, within established norms, but must be approved and verified by the College's Veterans Affairs certifying official, located in the Financial Aid Office.

While veterans are required to pay fees when due, as are all students, there are special guidelines for deferment of payments following establishment of eligibility through the Veterans Administration and the submission of a Certificate of Eligibility to the College's Veterans Affairs coordinator. To be eligible for full-time benefits, undergraduate veterans are required to carry a course load of at least 12 credit hours.

Application Procedures: Application forms are available at all VA offices, active duty stations and American embassies. Completed forms are submitted to the nearest VA office.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards: Persons who served on active duty, were honorably discharged at the end of their tours of duty or who qualify because of service-connected disabilities, may be eligible for benefits. Veterans may apply for benefits for full-time study at an approved postsecondary institution. Eligibility generally extends for 10 years after release from service. Veterans enrolled in full-time study may also be eligible for part-time employment under VA supervision and receive extra benefits.

Rights and Responsibilities of Recipients: Educational and vocational counseling will be provided by the VA on request. A program of education outside the United States may be pursued at an approved institution of higher learning. Institutions are required to report promptly to the VA interrupted attendance or termination of study on the part of students receiving benefits.

VA Survivor's Benefits

Children, spouses and survivors of veterans whose deaths or permanent total disabilities were service-connected, or who are listed as missing in action, may be eligible for postsecondary education benefits under the same conditions as veterans. Information is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Independent/Non-Traditional Students

The Financial Aid Office is responsive to the needs of independent and nontraditional students. If there are circumstances that create additional expenses such as child-care costs, please discuss them with your financial aid advisor.

Financial Independence for Student Financial Aid Programs

The Federal Title IV program criteria for financial independence may be found in the FAFSA application. These criteria are mandated by federal law and regulation, but in unusual cases, exceptions can be made by the financial aid advisors. Those students who believe that the federal criteria do not accurately represent their situation due to exceptional or unusual circumstances are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office.

The financial independence criteria for the New York state TAP program are distinct from the federal criteria and may result in opposite dependency status determinations under the two programs. Acceptable special conditions are prescribed in state law and administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. The College has no authority to make exceptions for the TAP program.

Students with Disabilities

Institutions of higher education are required to consider any additional costs incurred by students with disabilities when awarding financial aid. Students who anticipate such additional expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Other Sources of Aid

Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarship and loan opportunities in their home communities. The College and Student Accounting Services Office administers private scholarships awarded to Cortland students. Recipients may obtain deferment of payment of some registration charges against private scholarships awarded to them if the College and Accounting Services Office has official notification from the scholarship sponsor. No deferments of payment will be made against private scholarships that will be paid directly to the student.

Emergency Student Loan Funds

Loan funds supported by the College's Auxiliary Services Corporation provide small amounts to student borrowers to cover financial emergencies. These short-term loans are available beginning one week after classes begin. They must be repaid within three months or three weeks before the end of the semester, whichever occurs first, and there is no interest charged if they are repaid on time. These loans are not designed to meet tuition, college fee, on-campus housing and board charges, or the cost of books. Application is made in person in the Financial Aid Office and approval usually is obtained in one or two days.

Part-time Employment

The Student Employment Services Office, which is part of Career Services, works with the Financial Aid Office to coordinate a multitude of student employment opportunities. Many students find on-campus employment through this inter-office collaboration. A computerized job directory is maintained by Student Employment Services which also contains numerous off-campus employment openings. Typical jobs range from childcare to computer operation. Students interested in obtaining jobs in the Cortland community or on campus should contact Student Employment Services, Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-4.

The Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC), which operates food services and the College Store, also offers jobs during the year that are not advertised in Student Employment Services. Students who wish to work in this area should contact ASC directly at the offices in Neubig Hall.

During the second week of the fall semester, the Career Services Office, Auxiliary Services Corporation and many local employers come together for a Student Employment Fair. This event serves as a one-stop source for students seeking part-time employment.

Good Academic Standing for Financial Aid Eligibility

State Financial Aid Programs

State University of New York has university-wide standards for the award of assistance under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). To be eligible for New York state assistance under these standards, students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours of courses for each semester in which they receive assistance and must meet the academic progress standards shown below. In addition, TAP recipients must demonstrate that they are pursuing a program of study by completing a percentage of the minimum full-time course load each semester according to the following schedule.

Students who lose TAP eligibility may apply for a one-time waiver from the Financial Aid Office. Waiver decisions are made by an appeals committee. Waivers may only be granted for exceptional and unusual circumstances beyond students' direct control.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Purpose of Determining Eligibility for New York State Student Aid

Non-remedial students are evaluated on the chart listed below. Before being certified for payment, a student must have:

The following chart will be used to evaluate students enrolled in the EOP program. Before being certified for payment, a student must have:

EOP only: Noncredit remedial instruction can be counted toward a full-time academic load as set forth in 145-2.1 of the Commissioner's Regulations. The number of credit hours in this chart refers to work completed toward the degree.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

*The number of total credit hours is the sum of all attempted credit hours at SUNY Cortland (see definition below) and all credits accepted for transfer by the Admissions Office.

Federal law and regulation require institutions of higher education to establish, publish and enforce minimum academic standards for the continued receipt of Federal Title IV Financial Aid. The Title IV Financial Aid Programs are the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-Study Program, TEACH Grant/Loan and the Federal Direct Loan Program (including Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students). The charts above and the attached text are the published standards for SUNY Cortland. Failure to maintain academic performance in compliance with these standards will result in loss of future eligibility for Federal Title IV Financial Aid, including loans.

Maximum Time-frame Standard: Eligibility for Title IV Financial Aid is also limited to students completing their programs within one and one-half times the normal program length. For regular, full-time undergraduate students, the maximum time frame is 12 semesters. For part-time students, transfer students, students enrolled in dual majors and students with a history of both full- and part-time enrollment, the maximum time frame is reached when the student has attempted more than one-and-one-half the number of credit hours required to earn the degree(s). The maximum time-frame standard for transfer-student evaluation will consider only those credit hours attempted at SUNY Cortland, as well as those accepted for transfer credit by the Admissions Office.

Timing of Evaluations and Evaluation Process: The standard measures academic progress at the end of each semester in which Title IV aid is awarded to students, not including winter session. Evaluation of progress will occur shortly after final grades have been posted by Student Registration and Record Services and notices will be sent out promptly. Attempted credits include all coursework included in the student's academic history at SUNY Cortland, including transfer credits, advanced placement credits and CLEP credits. Earned credits include all attempted courses for which a passing grade has been received (quality points awarded). Grades listed as Incomplete or Late Grade at the time of evaluation will be considered attempted and unearned, but will not affect the grade point average. All other grades will be calculated in accordance with the College's grading system, as described in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Data Corrections: If a student's academic record is changed subsequent to the evaluation date, a student may submit a written request to the Financial Aid Office for re-evaluation of the ineligibility determination. The most common situation leading to such a request is the successful resolution of an Incomplete or Late Grade.

Appeal of Ineligibility Decision: A determination of ineligibility may be appealed based on mitigating circumstances. A mitigating circumstance is defined as an exceptional or unusual event or events beyond the student's direct control that contributed to or caused the academic difficulty. Appeal letters should be addressed to the Financial Aid Office and should include a complete description of the circumstances that led to the academic difficulty and a plan for future academic success. Copies of supporting documentation should also be included. All appeals are reviewed by a committee of academic and financial professional staff whose determination is final. The committee will report all appeal decisions directly to the student online through myRedDragon.

A mitigating circumstance appeal may not be used to justify a pattern of poor performance or to override the maximum time frame standard.

Regaining Eligibility: A student who loses eligibility may regain it by successfully completing courses at SUNY Cortland with grades sufficient to meet the stated requirements. Such courses must be funded without benefit of Title IV aid. Under no circumstances will aid be paid retroactively for those courses once eligibility has been re-established. Upon completion of these courses, a student should submit a written request to the financial aid director for re-evaluation of eligibility.

Students who have been absent from SUNY Cortland for a period of not less than 18 months may submit a request for re-evaluation of eligibility upon re-admission to the College and demonstrated academic, professional and/or personal success during the period of absence. Such re-evaluation shall be based upon demonstrated correction of the previous academic difficulty, demonstrated success during the period of absence and likelihood of future academic success. The re-evaluation request must be in writing and addressed to the Financial Aid Office. The request will be reviewed by a committee of academic and financial professional staff whose determination is final. The committee will report all re-evaluation decisions directly to the student online through myRedDragon.

Scholarships

SUNY Cortland offers a wide range of scholarships that are funded by the Cortland College Foundation, the SUNY Cortland Alumni Association, the College or other groups. These awards are made possible by the generous donations of alumni, philanthropic groups, corporations, faculty, staff, emeriti and other friends of the College. Whether or not a scholarship will be awarded is dependent on available funding as provided by the Cortland College Foundation.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need or a combination of both. Each program has its own criteria. Scholarships based on demonstrated financial need require that the FAFSA be submitted as well, fafsa.ed.gov. Some scholarships are available only to new incoming students. Full-time status is required for receipt of the scholarship unless otherwise noted. Some scholarships require recipients to live on campus.

Unless stated otherwise, scholarship recipients must minimally comply with the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines in the Financial Aid section of this catalog in order to maintain their scholarships. SAP is reviewed after each semester. Loss of federal aid eligibility also will result in loss of scholarship. In rare instances, a student can submit an appeal for the loss of scholarship. Appeals are reviewed by the Scholarship Oversight Committee. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

It is important to understand that scholarships are both an academic honor and a funding vehicle. The financial aspects of scholarships are governed by rules and regulations and are administered by the Financial Aid Office.

Students may not receive total annual financial aid — federal, state, private, institutional grants, scholarships, loans, etc. — in excess of SUNY Cortland's budgeted cost of attendance. Sometimes it may be necessary to reduce loan eligibility, and in rare cases SUNY Cortland scholarship award amounts, in order to stay in compliance with this federal regulation. If a scholarship is received from any source other than SUNY Cortland, the Financial Aid Office should be contacted to see how it may affect the overall financial aid package.

For information regarding scholarships, visit Scholarships on the website.