10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in New York

Online degree programs can be a great way for working adults and other busy learners to obtain their college degrees. While college can be expensive, the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you find financial aid opportunities. Many online schools accept FAFSA, making it easier for students to afford college.

New York State has lower tuition than other states, but many students still need financial aid to cover the cost of their degrees. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept FAFSA in New York.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in New York

Multiple colleges and universities in New York offer online degrees that students can pay for using financial aid gained through FAFSA. We've featured ten of the best online colleges in New York below. Note that all online programs listed are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

CUNY School of Professional Studies

The CUNY School of Professional Studies is a public university in New York City. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers on-campus and online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in fields like:

• business
• disability studies
• nursing
• social sciences

The school code for the CUNY School of Professional Studies is 004765. Students can use the FAFSA to obtain multiple scholarships and grants, including the Excelsior Scholarship, which is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition costs for students at public New York community colleges and universities.

Empire State University

Empire State University is a public university based in Saratoga Springs. It's part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in person and online. A large number of online degree programs are available in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• nursing
• social sciences

Students completing their undergraduate graduate degree through online learning can use FAFSA at Empire State University with the code 010286. As a SUNY college, students here may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship and other financial aid options.

Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit university that only offers online programs. This includes associate programs, bachelor's programs, and master's programs in areas of study like:

• business
• health science and nursing
• public service
• technology

Excelsior University accepts FAFSA, and students can obtain financial aid for their online courses by entering the school's code, 014251. While students can't use the Excelsior Scholarship here, they can use New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other types of financial aid.

Mercy University

Mercy University is a private, nonprofit research university based in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It offers in-person programs as well as undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in fields such as:

• business management
• healthcare and nursing
• social sciences
• psychology

Online students can lower their tuition rates at Mercy University by using the FAFSA code 002772. Students here can use New York TAP or one of the many scholarships the university offers to undergraduate students and graduate students.

New York University

New York University is a nonprofit private research university in the heart of New York City. It offers programs on campus as well as online bachelor's, online master's, and online doctoral degrees in areas of study like:

• business administration
• cybersecurity
• education
• public health

By filling out your FAFSA and using NYU's code 002785, you may qualify for the NYU Promise, a last-dollar scholarship offered to students with household incomes under $100,000. Other grants and scholarships are also available to help students pay for their college degrees.

St. Joseph's University

St. Joseph's University, New York is a private Catholic university with campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island. In addition to in-person programs, it offers several programs through online classes in fields such as business, healthcare and nursing, human services, and psychology.

The FAFSA code for St. Joseph's is E00505. Undergraduate students can apply for TAP, while both undergraduate and graduate students can pursue other types of scholarships and grants.

State University of New York at Canton

The State University of New York at Canton is a public SUNY university in Canton, New York. It offers in-person programs and 23 online majors in various areas of study including business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and healthcare and nursing.

As a SUNY college, in-state tuition is less than out-of-state tuition, but students who need financial aid should still fill out their FAFSA. The code for SUNY Canton is 002855, and students may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, TAP, and more.

State University of New York at Oswego

The State University of New York at Oswego is another SUNY college, located in Oswego, New York. It offers in-person and online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• communication
• healthcare and nursing
• technology

The FAFSA school code for SUNY Oswego is 002848. Students can use this to see if they qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, apply for TAP, and look into other types of financial aid to cover their online education.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, nonprofit research university in Syracuse, New York. This top-ranking school offers on-campus degrees and many online programs in various disciplines, such as business, healthcare, social work, and technology.

Syracuse's FAFSA school code is 002882. College students can use New York's TAP to pay for their coursework and other grants and scholarships.

Utica University

Utica University is a private, nonprofit university in Utica, New York. It offers a variety of programs in person and online in fields such as:

• business
• cybersecurity
• healthcare and nursing
• social work

Utica University's FAFSA code is 002883. Students can use New York's TAP at the university or apply for one of the university's scholarship programs.

Applying for FAFSA in New York

FAFSA is a federal financial aid program that covers tuition in various formats. Students from all states can use FAFSA at in-person and online schools throughout the U.S.

FAFSA not only determines if you qualify for state and federal financial aid but can also help you find other types of aid. Many scholarships require you to fill out FAFAS before you apply.

Eligibility

There are few eligibility requirements for FAFSA. You must be a U.S. resident or an eligible non-resident. You can be planning to attend school either part-time or full-time.

Even if you don't think you'll qualify for much state or federal aid, it's still worth it to fill out your FAFSA. You might be surprised by what you qualify for.

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA can seem tedious, but it's not too difficult. You'll first need to gather the information you'll need, like:

• your username and password
• personal information (i.e., date of birth and Social Security number) from anyone who contributes to your family income, such as a parent or spouse
• income and asset information for your family
• codes for whatever school you're applying to

Once you have this information, you'll head to the StudentAid.gov website and fill out the FAFSA form. It should take about an hour.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in New York

New York offers a variety of financial aid programs that go beyond FAFSA, helping students afford quality online education. Below are a few major options available to New York residents pursuing degrees remotely.

Tuition Assistance Program

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides need-based grants to eligible residents enrolled in approved degree programs, including those offered online. To qualify, you'll need to submit both the FAFSA and the TAP application through the state's Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

Online learners at participating public and private institutions can receive annual funding that doesn't need to be repaid. Awards vary based on income, family size, and tuition costs, making TAP one of the most flexible aid options in the state.

Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible New York residents to attend state-operated colleges tuition-free. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA, TAP, and Excelsior applications, meet income requirements, and commit to living and working in New York after graduation.

This scholarship also applies to online programs offered by the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) systems. It's a strong choice for students who want to reduce long-term debt while studying remotely.

Part-Time Scholarship Award

The Part-Time Scholarship Award supports students enrolled part time at SUNY or CUNY institutions, including online learners. Applicants must be New York residents who have earned at least six credits per semester and maintain a minimum GPA.

This award makes it easier for working adults and caregivers to balance education with other responsibilities. Combined with federal aid, it can significantly reduce the overall cost of online tuition.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in New York

Many students still have questions about the FAFSA. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for college in New York.

Do Online Colleges in New York Accept FAFSA?

Most online colleges in New York accept FAFSA. However, unaccredited colleges, like some for-profit colleges, will not be able to accept FAFSA.

How Long Does It Take to Receive FAFSA Aid in New York?

Most students receive their FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days of submitting the online application. Once your chosen colleges review your eligibility, financial aid awards are typically processed within one to three weeks, though timing may vary by school.

What Happens After I Submit My FAFSA for New York Colleges?

After you submit your FAFSA, your eligibility for programs like the federal Pell Grant and Excelsior Scholarship will be assessed. You can also apply for other grants and scholarships or take out student loans if you need to.

Can I Use FAFSA for Graduate School in New York?

Yes, you can use FAFSA for graduate school in New York. However, many programs only apply to undergraduate degrees. Conduct some research to see if your program is partially or fully covered.

Find an Affordable Online College in New York

New York students can take advantage of federal and state financial aid to make earning a degree online more achievable. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org and connect with schools to find programs that align with your goals and budget.