Summer and Winter Financial Aid Options

Financing your summer and winter courses will require some planning ahead, but the good news is that your financial aid can be used to cover both summer and winter session.

Summary of Financial Aid Options for Summer Session(s)

Options	Who is Eligible?	Requirements	Possible Awards	Application	Pro-tip
Pell Grant	Undergraduates Only	Meeting SAP	Based on remaining eligibility, enrollment for Summer and Student Aid Index	2025-26 FAFSA	Summer awards will count toward a student’s overall lifetime eligibility usage limit. There is a maximum of three-semester in any given year.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)	Undergraduates Only	Have earned at least 24 credits applicable to your degree in preceding two semesters.	New York State Higher Education Service Corporation (HESC) will determine tuition coverage amount.	2025-26 TAP Application	Summer TAP will not be paid to the college until October 2026. Any TAP award placed on a student account for the summer term will only be an estimated award until HESC remits payments to the college.
Federal Direct Loans	Undergraduates and Graduate	Enroll at least half- time at least meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements	A portion of annual Direct Loan for Summer expenses	2025-26 FAFSA & Direct Loan application	Consider budget for entire calendar year to cover school expenses. Submit only one application per year.
Federal Work Study (FWS)	Undergraduates and Graduate	Enrollment in Fall 2025	Salary based on rates posted in FWS Contract	2025-26 FAFSA	Summer earnings can reduce potential earnings from Fall and Spring terms