About Financial Aid

Cayuga is committed to making attendance possible for students who would otherwise be denied a college education because of inadequate funds. Our staff will work closely with you to help you meet the cost of tuition, fees, books, room, board, and personal expenses. From assistance in filling out forms to answering questions about your aid package, we are here to help you.

Cayuga Community College establishes a student budget that includes tuition, fees, books, room, board, and personal expenses. Only the amounts for tuition and fees will appear on your billing statement but other expenses are calculated into the student budget for the purpose of establishing need and awarding aid.

Certain standards must be met in order to maintain eligibility for both federal and state aid, as well as for certain campus-based grants and scholarships. Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cayuga-cc.edu for more information.

Changes in state, federal, or institutional policy may modify the programs and regulations detailed here.

Cayuga Community College is committed to equal opportunity in employment, admission, and treatment for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, or any other basis prohibited by Federal or State Law. The College also has an affirmative action policy.

Federal and New York State Aid Programs

• Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)
• Federal Government Financial Aid Programs
• NYS Financial Aid Programs
• Standards for Federal Aid

Student Responsibilities

• As a student applying for or receiving financial aid, it is your responsibility to:
  • Read and understand procedures and applications.
  • Provide documentation when necessary according to federal and state regulations.
  • Enroll in an approved program at Cayuga Community College.
  • Continue to achieve Good Academic Standing and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree or certificate. Information on minimum requirements for continuing eligibility for financial aid is available in the Registrar's and Financial Aid Offices).
• You may not receive financial aid if you owe a refund or are in default on any financial aid previously received.
• Before a financial aid award can be approved and disbursed, you must be in compliance with applicable regulations, including State Health Department requirements regarding Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) immunization and Meningitis.
• For awards from all Federal programs (PELL, SEOG, FWS and Direct Loans), you must maintain "Satisfactory Progress Standards for Federal Aid." (For Further information contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cayuga-cc.edu)
• For awards from New York State programs (TAP or APTS) you must:
  • Maintain progress and an academic level according to "Standards for New York State Awards."
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits) for a TAP award or part-time (3-11 credits) for an APTS award. A repeated "D" may not count toward enrollment status for TAP or APTS.
• For awards from the Cayuga Community College Foundation or outside scholarships, you must maintain the criteria for eligibility as designated by that award. For example, you must:
  • Be enrolled in the Nursing Program for a Nursing Grant
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA for a Sophomore Scholarship
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA for an Honors Scholarship
  • Maintain a 3.2 GPA for a SUNY Minority Honors Scholarship
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA for an Association for Widowed People Scholarship
  • Maintain a 2.75 GPA for a Trustee Scholarship
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA for a Scholar Incentive Grant
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA for a Foundation Minority Scholarship
  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA for a Cayuga Savings Bank Award
• For further information, see Scholarships and Grants-In-Aid.

Financial Aid Awards and Disbursements (Payments)

When you receive your financial aid award letter, be sure to review it carefully. Report any incorrect information immediately to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cayuga-cc.edu. Actual or estimated awards may be adjusted based on additional information, revised regulations, or changed student status. The amount of a Pell award will be based on the number of credits you are enrolled in at the time of assessment.

An estimated award may not be the final amount awarded. If estimates are listed on the award letter, you are responsible for making sure awards are processed properly. The Express TAP Application (ETA) must list Cayuga Community College as the attending institution.

• If you receive financial aid, the first check will be sent to you on the disbursement date shown on your Disclosure Form if you have already completed your promissory note online.
• Your tuition, fees, and any book charges owed to the College will be deducted from this loan disbursement. You will receive the remainder, if any.
• Additional aid intended to cover living expenses and transportation will be disbursed after the fourth week of classes. You will need to cover your own expenses for the first five weeks of school.
• Late awards will be disbursed several weeks after the award notice.

Attendance/Refund Policy

Students must attend classes to be eligible for financial aid. Students with Federal financial aid who withdraw during the first 60% of the semester will have financial aid awards adjusted. If a student stops attending classes, the Student Development Office should be notified immediately. Dropping out or unofficially withdrawing may result in a student owing a refund and being ineligible for any future Federal aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Withdrawing from courses may jeopardize future aid or cause a repayment on awards. Students are advised to seek counseling before making changes in their enrollment status. College policies on refunds and withdrawals are available from the Financial Aid Office.