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Applying for Aid: Current Students

Step 1: Fill out your FAFSA

To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year.

  • You will need your FSA ID to complete the application. If you need to create a FSA ID, want to change your PIN or can’t remember what it is, see the "FSA ID" website. 
  • Be sure to release your data to us. The Ithaca College school code for the FAFSA is 002739.
  • The priority deadline is March 1.

Complete the FAFSA online

FAFSA Tips

  • Don't leave anything blank!
  • Your FAFSA will auto-fill your biological information from a previous submission. Confirm the information is correct.
  • Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
  • The FAFSA requests tax information from two years ago. For example, the 2022–2023 academic year will ask for 2020 tax information.
  • No tax information yet? You may still submit the FAFSA with estimated figures, but we encourage you to use final tax information to ensure that you receive the most accurate financial aid package.
  • Check the box to be considered for all available aid. You can always decline particular types of aid later.
  • Ensure that both student and parent have electronically signed the FAFSA before submitting the form.

Step 2: Apply for New York State's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State residents only.

Students initiate the TAP application process by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Any New York State resident who lists at least one New York State institution on the FAFSA will be sent an email or postcard by HESC containing instructions on how to file an online application or how to request a paper - Express TAP Application (ETA). No paper applications will be mailed automatically. Information from the FAFSA and the family's calculated NYS income will be preprinted on a paper ETA. The applicant should review this information, make any necessary corrections, complete any missing items, and then sign and mail.  HESC will process returned ETAs and then issue an electronic award notification, denial, or requests for additional information. Not all students will have an ETA available for printing.

If you received TAP last year

Students who have previously received payment of a TAP award may be selected for the multi-year application process. In these cases, current year FAFSA data is matched with historical data on HESC's system to generate an award notification. Students who are selected for multi-year will not receive an Express Tap Application (ETA). If a student's current year data does not match historical data on HESC's system, an ETA will be generated. Income changes are expected from year to year and will not impact the determination of a multi-year application. 

If you have never applied for TAP

After completing your FAFSA online, you can proceed immediately to the TAP application by clicking the link on the FAFSA confirmation page. If you don’t apply at that time, you will have to wait five business days for your FAFSA information to be received by TAP and can apply at the following page.

Complete the TAP on the Web application

  • The TAP on the Web application has space for only one school code. Our school code is 0330.
  • The priority deadline is March 1.
  • Learn more about TAP, including eligibility requirements and award amounts at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.

See other NYS grants, scholarships, and awards

Step 3: Notify us of any changes in your family's circumstances

If you or your family have had changes in family income and/or unusual expenses, it may affect your financial aid. To learn more about how changes could affect your aid and what you need to do in that situation, see our information on changes in financial status.

Change of financial status