Student Handbook 2021

Appendix A - Financial Aid Information and Policies There are a number of federal, state and institutional programs to assist students in financing their education. These programs include grants, work opportunities, scholarships and loans. Students who apply for and secure educational loans are encouraged to keep within manageable borrowing levels. Counseling is available to assist students in applying for student financial aid, financial planning, and calculating and considering manageable debt levels. Financial Aid Packaging Policy Federal government guidelines are used to "package" or formulate aid policy for students at SUNY. This procedure assumes that a student or the student's family is responsible for the financial obligations incurred while attending the SUNY College of Optometry. If funds beyond those available through family resources are needed to pay educational costs, the College will review the student's eligibility for an array of available financial aid programs. The College determines eligibility for a Federal Stafford Loan. This need-based loan is federally subsidized and based on the student's and family's ability to pay as determined by a federally mandated formula of needs analysis. The financial aid office evaluates a student for the Federal Perkins Loan (formerly NDSL), Health Professions Student Loan, College Work/Study, tuition waivers and scholarships, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Financial need must be demonstrated and parental financial information is required to determine need for campus-based and institutional aid.

The student also may be considered for an Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan which is based only on educational expenses remaining after other financial aid is awarded.

Information on private loans through banks and alternative loan programs is also available in the financial aid office.

Many students will be required to complete verification in order to be evaluated for Title IV (Stafford, Perkins, College Work/Study) funds. This requires complete financial disclosure from the student.

Adherence to our schedule guarantees prompt processing of financial aid packages.

Application Process Students applying for financial aid will be required to submit the following:

a) SUNY-Optometry Application for Financial Aid;

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