Financial Aid Access
In New York State, students also can access state financial aid for college through the NYS Application for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the NYS DREAM Act that help students from low-income backgrounds and undocumented students obtain grants and scholarships.
Our Equity-Centered Approach
We reveal equity gaps in completion rates year-over-year through our FAFSA tracker — particularly comparing schools with the highest shares of students from low-income backgrounds and those with the lowest shares. We also advocate for and support implementation of policies that increase access to financial aid, such as Universal FAFSA.
Latest Resource
On the Blog: Aid, Access, and Equity Series
To ensure all students are aware of financial aid options, a Universal FAFSA policy will be implemented this academic year so that New York students, regardless of citizenship status, have support and resources to complete the FAFSA and state aid applications, such as the Tuition Assistance Program and the DREAM Act. Students can sign a waiver to opt out of completing the FAFSA, and districts and schools will be responsible for tracking completion and waivers. To support this effort, EdTrust-New York hosted discussion groups with students and counselors to inform a five-part blog series on how this policy can help students, best practices for FAFSA completion, and additional support needed for implementation.
Featured Reports and Resources Over the Years
FAFSA Completion Data for High Schools & Districts
Financial Aid for College: High School Toolkit
EdTrust-New York Statement Supporting Universal FAFSA Legislation
Celebrating the 2024 FAFSA Challenge Winners
Data Snapshot
Over
%
of high school seniors in New York State did not complete the FAFSA by June 2023.
The New York State graduating class of 2023 left
in Pell Grants unclaimed.
More Resources
The Elimination of the Department of Education and Its Devastating Impact on New York’s Students
Instead of allowing political games to dismantle the education system, New York leaders must focus on solutions that strengthen education and address the real challenges we face such as underfunded schools, teacher shortages, and post-pandemic recovery.
EdTrust-New York Responds to One House Budget Bills with Support and a Call for Increased Investment in Education Equity
EdTrust-New York believes the state has not invested enough in an equitable, student-centered education system, despite some positive developments in the recently released One House Budget Bill.
EdTrust-New York Denounces Trump Administration’s Policy on Immigration Arrests in Schools
EdTrust-New York strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools. This policy directly threatens the safety and well-being of students who are undocumented and from mixed-status families, driving many to avoid school out of fear. Schools must remain safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for all students and their families, regardless of immigration status. This policy directly undermines that core principle.
EdTrust-New York Responds to NY Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address
EdTrust-New York calls for stronger commitments to educational equity and looks forward to collaborating with the Governor and Legislature to ensure the inclusion of the following proposals in the final 2025 State Budget.
How a community-centered approach can support Universal FAFSA implementation
Throughout our Equity, Aid, and Access blog series, one theme threads together the inspiring work so many individuals and entities are doing statewide: ensuring students have the right information they need about financial aid. Equipping students with this information can help them make an informed decision for their postsecondary goals.
Schools are deploying innovative strategies to support FAFSA completion. Is it enough for Universal FAFSA?
Education leaders can learn from staff in these schools to reverse recent overall declines in completion caused by the pandemic and botched Better FAFSA roll out. Many of the best practices schools have used across the state to improve FAFSA completion are highlighted by winners of EdTrust-New York’s annual FAFSA Challenge.