Many of our students use financial aid to help with their college costs. Our friendly Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid process, and we look forward to answering your questions. We've helped many students just like you start classes in our Accounting Program, Business Program, Criminal Justice Program, Graphic Design Program, and more! Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Briarcliffe College participates in federal and state financial aid programs including: New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART), Federal Work-Study, and Federal Family Education Loan Programs. In addition, athletic, transfer & merit scholarships are sponsored by Briarcliffe College.

Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions

Q. What's the difference between a Federal Stafford loan and a private loan?
A. A Federal Stafford loan is a low interest federal educational loan that does not require a credit check. A private loan may have higher interest and fees which are determined by the student's or co-borrower's credit history.

Q. How do I apply for federal financial aid?
A. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the single application needed to apply for all sources of federal aid. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It helps to complete the FAFSA with a PIN (electronic signature) to expedite the process. A PIN can be obtained by visiting www.pin.ed.gov.

Q. Where can I find tuition and fee information?
A. Students should contact the Admissions Office at the school to find out information regarding tuition and fees.

Q. What is financial aid?
A. Financial aid refers to federal, state and private resources that may help pay for college costs. Typically financial aid consists of grants, scholarships, loans and student employment. Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid. Loans must be repaid with payments usually beginning after the student is no longer enrolled at least half time. Student employment consists of opportunities for students to earn money to pay for educational expenses.

Q. When do I have to repay my loans?
A. Repayment on most student loans will begin after the student is no longer enrolled at least half time. The subsidized Federal Stafford Loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half time. Interest may accrue on other loans even while the student is enrolled. Check with the Financial Aid Office, they can help explain the differences in the types of loans. In all cases, loans must be repaid regardless of whether you complete the program or are satisfied with your educational experience. Failure to repay your loans can result in serious consequences and negatively impact your ability to obtain credit in the future.

Q. Why do I have to provide parent information on my FAFSA?
A. Students are considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes based on criteria established by Congress. Parents of dependent students must provide their financial information in order to determine eligibility for the various federal aid programs. Check with our Financial Aid Office to determine your dependency status if you are unsure.

Q. Why would a parent borrow from a Federal PLUS loan instead of a co-signing on a private loan in the student's name?
A. Federal PLUS loans are federal loans with lower interest rates than many private loans. Parents who co-sign on a private loan are just as responsible for repaying the loan (usually at higher rates). In other words, whether the parent borrows from a Federal PLUS loan or co-signs for a private loan, their financial responsibility is the same.

Q. How often do I have to reapply for aid?
A. Students must reapply for federal and state aid each award year. Typically, students should reapply for aid as soon as possible after January 1st; however, check with our Financial Aid Office to determine if there are other deadline dates that affect you.

Q. What is a PIN?
A. A PIN is a Personal Identification Number that can be used as an electronic signature. It makes filing for aid quick and easy. PINs are private and should never be shared with anyone.

Q. What's the difference between a grant and a loan?
A. A grant is free money that does not have to be repaid. Loans must always be repaid regardless of whether you complete the program or are satisfied with your educational experience. Failure to repay your loans can result in serious consequences and negatively impact your ability to obtain credit in the future.

Q. What forms or other information do I need?
A. Students (and parents of dependent students) will refer to their most recent tax return when applying for financial aid. Documentation on other sources of income including social security benefits, unemployment compensation and veteran's benefits, etc., will be needed. Information on the value of assets is also required. Examples of assets include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposits, mutual funds, real estate (other than the family home), businesses and farms.

Q. My parents make too much money for me to receive financial aid. What options are available to me?
A. Regardless of how much money you or your parents make, you should still apply for federal aid. Some sources of federal aid are not need based which means you or your parents may qualify regardless of income.

Q. How can I apply for scholarships?
A. There are several free scholarship search websites. Researching and applying can be time consuming, but may be worth your time, if you find extra funding. Do not use agencies that charge fees, you can do this search on your own and free of charge. For a listing of scholarships websites, contact our Financial Aid Office.

Briarcliffe College
Office of Financial Aid
1055 Stewart Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714

For a listing of all of our available scholarships, please click here.

Click here to learn more about the financial aid options available (for those who qualify) to help you finance your education. This presentation will also show you the information you will need to get started on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).