Westchester Community College, State University of New York

To be eligible for federal student aid you must at least:

• Be matriculated in a degree program or certificate program of 24 or more credits*. In some cases, less-than-half-time students may be eligible for FSEOG, FWS and/or FPELL aid programs, depending upon appropriation and funds availability.
• Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
• Be registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
• Be evaluated to have need. Need is defined as the cost of education (tuition, fees, books, etc.) minus the expected student and/or family contribution.
• Not owe a refund for any federal aid received at Westchester Community College or any other college.
• Possess a HS diploma or GED. Transcripts or other official proof of completion must be submitted to the Office of Admissions before aid can be disbursed.
• Not be convicted of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance while receiving federal aid.

• Sign statements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that
  • you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant and
  • you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes

• Meet federal Satisfactory Progress Standards. (SAP).
• Meet the college’s academic standards.
• Not have a college Financial Aid Hold.

To be eligible for TAP you must at least:

• Be a legal resident of New York State (that is, you must have lived in the State for at least one year prior to the first term for which you are seeking payment).
• Be a US citizen, permanent resident or hold an I-94 visa as a refugee, paroled refugee or conditional entrant.
• Have a US high school diploma, GED, or received a passing score on an approved ability-to-benefit test.
• Be matriculated in a degree program or certificate program of 24 or more credits*. Be enrolled full-time, that is, must have 12 credits or more--which includes at least one 15 week course--all of which must be registered before add-drop period of the 15 week course is over.
• Remain in good academic standing for New York State financial aid programs by meeting Academic Progress requirements and demonstrating Program Pursuit each semester you receive TAP.
• Meet the economic criteria.
• Not be in default of a Federal Student Loan (see eligibility for federal student aid above)

*Certificate programs that require less than 24 credits are not eligible either for federal or state financial aid. These include:

• Computer Programing
• Medical Billing and Coding --for any requirement term prior to Fall 2016
• Teaching Assistant

Financial aid comes from three sources: federal, state and private. Students should explore all three possibilities in order to maximized their financial aid and meet their educational expenses. In general, grants and scholarships are gift aids that do not need to be repaid.

Federal (Westchester Community College Federal school code 002881)

Grants Loans

• Federal Direct Loan Programs (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program

Federal Work Study

NY State (Westchester Community College NYS school code 2160)

Grants Scholarships and Awards

Private

Scholarships Private Student loans VETERANS

OTHER

Viking Dining Dollars Rent Textbooks in the FSA Bookstore

ATB Study Guide and Materials for Financial Aid TAP Eligibility (Foreign Diplomas)

The Ability to Benefit (ATB) testing requirement is for students who are seeking financial aid awards under the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) from a United States high school. In order for you to be considered for a New York State grant, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you must successfully complete the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test. Do not use this page/form if you are applying to take the 24 Credit GED Program.

This test is separate and in addition to the College placement test you may have already taken. Please be aware, the ATB test is not the sole determinate in the distribution of these awards.

All testing will take place in coordination with the Testing and Assessment Center. You must schedule your ATB exam below. ATB tests are scheduled separately from regular placement exams. They will be offered multiple times per month at both the Valhalla Campus and extension sites.

Please Sign Up for the ATB Exam Here  

Questions regarding the ATB test can be directed to the Placement Testing Office at Testing.Center@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6969.