Financial Aid
Interested in attending FIT? Excellent! FIT is committed to providing a superior education at an affordable cost, and we are committed to helping you find ways to pay for it.
Begin by learning about your financial aid options. We strongly encourage you to apply for federal and state (New York State residents) aid by the priority deadlines. And we will do our best to help you find and access the various kinds of support available to you, including scholarships, federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities.
Starting Your Application
If you are enrolled in a degree program and are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, you may qualify for federal financial aid and state aid (New York State). To determine your eligibility for need-based federal financial aid, FIT requires the online submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SUNY offers virtual financial aid sessions to help students file the FAFSA. If you are interested in attending, visit Discover SUNY: Upcoming Events for Future Students & Families.
Deadlines
When it comes to financial aid, timing is everything! For priority consideration, FIT encourages you to file the 2024-2025 FAFSA immediately for the fall semester.
If you are already an FIT student, note that you must file the FAFSA annually to be considered for need-based federal aid.
Have you received an offer of financial aid?
Types of Aid
Federal financial aid resources include Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Stafford student loans, Parent Plus loans, and college work-study.
In addition to federal financial aid, New York State residents may be eligible for a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant or an Excelsior Scholarship. There is also the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act award and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for eligible New York State residents.
Grants
Most types of grants, unlike loans, are sources of free money that generally do not have to be repaid. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, FIT, or a private or nonprofit organization.
Loans
You may be offered student loans as part of your financial aid eligibility. A loan is money that is borrowed and must be repaid with interest.
Federal Work-Study
If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study, you will receive funds in the form of a paycheck, based on hours worked at a job.
Scholarships
As you apply for financial aid, you should investigate external scholarship options as well. We can connect you to applications for FIT-related funding, diversity scholarships, opportunities for New York State residents, and more.
Learn more about Financial Aid literacy
New York State Residents
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants are available to legal residents of New York State who meet a certain income tax threshold. Undocumented students residing in New York State may be eligible for state-administered grants and scholarships through the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act. Students may also qualify for the SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides financial aid and support services to financially and academically disadvantaged students.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Important Resources
ECMC Solutions
Solutions is a service of the nonprofit organization ECMC and is dedicated to helping students manage educational loans. Their resources are available to you free of charge. You can email or webchat with a Solutions Student Loan Repayment Advisor through the website or by calling (877) 331-3262. ECMC provides Financial Aid Basics for college and life. You will have access to information to help you manage your money: banking basics, budgeting, consumer credit and protection, consumer credit reports and scores, managing your records, preventing identity theft.
SUNY Smart Track™
SUNY initiatives are aimed at assisting students in making informed decisions beginning with their college selection, financing their education and continuing with a supportive message through their time at a SUNY campus. All FIT students, regardless of their financial situation, can benefit from the SUNY Smart Track. Visit our Financial Aid Literacy page for more information.
Loan Repayment Options
Your loan repayment options will vary depending upon the loan type and the lender.