The Ithaca Financial Aid Office is a vital resource for students seeking to pursue higher education at Ithaca College. Located in the heart of New York, Ithaca College is a private liberal arts college that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Financial Aid Office plays a crucial role in helping students navigate the complex process of securing financial aid to fund their education.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process
The financial aid process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. The Ithaca Financial Aid Office is committed to providing personalized support and guidance to help students and their families understand the various options available to them. From completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to exploring scholarship opportunities, the office’s experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that students receive the financial assistance they need to achieve their academic goals.
Types of Financial Aid Available
The Ithaca Financial Aid Office offers a range of financial aid programs to help students fund their education. These include:
- Federal Pell Grants: need-based grants awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): need-based grants awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need
- Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans: low-interest loans available to undergraduate and graduate students
- Parent PLUS Loans: low-interest loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students
- Graduate PLUS Loans: low-interest loans available to graduate and professional students
- Private scholarships: awards offered by external organizations and individuals to recognize academic achievement, talent, or community service
In addition to these programs, the Ithaca Financial Aid Office also offers institutional scholarships and grants to help students fund their education. These awards are based on a range of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, and talent.
| Financial Aid Program | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Undergraduate students with significant financial need | $650-$6,495 per year |
| FSEOG | Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need | $100-$4,000 per year |
| Direct Subsidized Loan | Undergraduate students with financial need | $3,500-$5,500 per year |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Undergraduate and graduate students | $2,000-$20,500 per year |
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA, which is available online at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Ithaca Financial Aid Office recommends that students submit their FAFSA as early as possible, as some forms of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
FAFSA Deadlines and Requirements
The FAFSA is available on October 1st of each year, and the priority deadline for Ithaca College is February 1st. To complete the FAFSA, students will need to provide personal and financial information, including:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- W-2 forms and tax returns
- Parent income and tax information (for dependent students)
Once the FAFSA is submitted, the Ithaca Financial Aid Office will review the student's eligibility for financial aid and create a personalized financial aid package. This package will outline the types and amounts of financial aid the student is eligible to receive.
What is the FAFSA and why do I need to complete it?
+The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Completing the FAFSA is required to apply for most forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
What types of financial aid are available to Ithaca College students?
+Ithaca College students are eligible for a range of financial aid programs, including federal Pell Grants, FSEOG, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and private scholarships.
How do I apply for financial aid at Ithaca College?
+To apply for financial aid at Ithaca College, students must complete the FAFSA, which is available online at studentaid.gov. The priority deadline for Ithaca College is February 1st.
