Please see the below message on FAFSA from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
Click here for the printable PDF version.
April 11, 2024
Dear High School Senior:
Did you know that in 2022, more than $200 million in available Federal Pell Grant funding remained unclaimed in New York State? It's true! Students who don't complete the FAFSA miss out on valuable opportunities to receive financial assistance from the federal government and New York State.
That's why today, I am writing to encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. As Governor of New York, I'm committed to helping students receive the financial aid they need to help make their college dreams a reality.
Filling out the FAFSA is a key step in accessing these federal and state resources designed to aid students. We want to encourage all eligible individuals to apply, ensuring they take full advantage of the available financial support to pursue their academic goals. Together, we can raise awareness about these opportunities and reduce the financial burden on you and your family.
I know that applying for college and financial aid can feel daunting, but we are here to help you. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has more than 24 grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs that support more than 330,000 New York students pursue their educational goals each year. HESC offers resources to guide you through every step of the financial aid process and allows you to sign up to receive text messages with key information about financial aid, important deadlines, and resources to ensure you're on the right path toward your college career. You can find out more about NYS financial aid and the resources available to you at hesc.ny.gov.
Remember, financial aid is available to you, but you have to apply. Complete the FAFSA and take advantage of all the financial aid opportunities available to you. Don't miss out on your opportunity to claim the funding you need to go to college. We are rooting for your success!
Sincerely,
Kathy Hochul
Governor