Governor Kathy Hochul declared on April 6 that April is Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York State, aiming to help students and families access resources for higher education. The campaign, titled “You Belong,” focuses on providing tools and support to guide applicants through the financial aid process, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications.
The initiative is intended to address barriers that prevent students from pursuing college by raising awareness about available financial aid. Hochul said, “New York is dedicated to empowering every student with access to higher education. By expanding financial aid resources and introducing innovative tools, we’re not just helping students and families maximize financial aid, we are investing in their future. During Financial Aid Awareness Month, I encourage every student to complete their FAFSA and TAP applications and take full advantage of the resources available to support their success and ease the financial burden of college.”
Recent efforts led by the state resulted in more than 155,000 students completing the FAFSA and over 45,000 submitting a NYS TAP application during last year’s Financial Aid Awareness Month. Building on this progress—and following expansions of TAP eligibility—New York now ranks sixth nationally for FAFSA submissions. For the current academic year alone, over 473,000 TAP applications have been submitted so far.
To further assist applicants throughout April, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host more than two dozen events offering guidance on navigating FAFSA and TAP processes. CUNY has also launched a new video series focused on financial literacy for students.
Several new tools were introduced by HESC this year: a step-by-step Financial Aid Navigator; an interactive dashboard tracking FAFSA completion rates statewide; enhanced call center services allowing direct connections without appointments; as well as expanded scholarship opportunities such as teacher incentive programs targeting high-need fields like math and science.
Officials across New York’s higher education sector voiced support for these initiatives. Doris Gonzalez said, “Financial Aid Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the resources available to help students achieve their dreams of higher education.” Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa added that expanding awareness helps close opportunity gaps: “By expanding awareness, simplifying access, and centering equity in our efforts, we are empowering students… toward a future filled with opportunity.”
As federal changes affecting student loans approach in 2026—including new limits on loan access—New York plans to expand its Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP), which has saved residents $54 million since launching in 2019. EDCAP will increase outreach through partnerships with colleges using webinars and counseling services while also working with state agencies to inform borrowers about predatory lending practices.
Applications remain open for several scholarship programs through June deadlines over the next two years; additional information can be found at hesc.ny.gov.