CUSP Grants & Financial Aid

CUSP Completion Grants (CCGs) are for current CUSP seniors who need assistance paying undergraduate tuition & fees at John Jay.

Eligibility 

• All applicants must be current undergraduate CUSP seniors pursuing their first bachelor's degree at John Jay. A CUSP academic advisor will need to verify your eligibility.
• Applicants must have an active bursar balance at John Jay that has not been sent to the CHBV collection agency.
• Applicants must attend one CUSP Grant Workshop and complete a mandatory advisement appointment.
• There is no set timeline for when applicants will be notified about the status of their application.
• The grant applies to tuition charges only and does not cover other fees or balances outside of John Jay.
• The CCGs funds will be applied towards your active bursar balance. A check/funds will not be sent you.

To apply, email to the CUSP team.

Financial Aid Advisors

One of the benefits of being a part of the CUSP cohort is that there is a Financial Aid Advisor assigned specifically to CUSP students. Remember to always email your financial aid advisor if you have questions or concerns about your financial aid. 

• CUSP Transfer Financial Aid Advisor: Shireen Sampson: Click here to make an appointment.
• CUSP Senior Financial Aid Advisor: James Ifill: Click here to make an appointment.

Office of Financial Aid

• Find more information about John Jay financial aid & resources here.
• Visit the Financial Aid virtual front desk.
• For more information about tuition, financial aid and more, please click here.
• Click here for information about FAFSA workshops.

Make an appointment with a CUSP Senior Academic Advisor via EAB/Navigate. Click here to learn how to schedule an appointment.

To make an appointment with a CUSP Senior Academic Advisor via EAB/Navigate. Click here to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the timeline for the CUSP Completion Grant?
There is no set timeline for when students will be notified about the status of their CUSP Completion Grant request.

2. Can the grant cover Summer 2025 tuition if I no longer have a Spring 2025 balance?
No. The CUSP Completion Grant can only be applied to the bursar balance for the term in which you applied. It does not carry over to future terms.

3. Can the grant be used to pay for a graduate (Master’s) program?
No. The CUSP Completion Grant only covers undergraduate tuition and fees at John Jay College.

4. Is the CUSP Completion Grant awarded on a first-come, first-served basis?
Yes. The grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students who have submitted a completed application.

5. If I am approved for the grant, how will the funds be disbursed?
If approved, the grant amount will be applied directly to your active bursar balance for the applied term. The funds are sent to the Bursar’s Office and reflected in your CUNYfirst account.

6. Can I appeal if my grant application is denied?
If your grant is denied, it is typically due to the absence of an outstanding bursar balance. However, if you believe the decision was made in error, please contact your CUSP advisor for further review.