Financial Aid Checklist & Tips to Success

  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use your “PIN#”to pre-fill your application and use the IRS data retrieval link if given that option in your application.
  • Remember to add Hostos Community College federal school code (008611) on the application.
  • Remember to submit/provide signatures whether by signing electronically with your PIN, or by printing the signature page, signing it and mailing it to the listed address on that page.
  • After you’ve submitted the FAFSA application, you will be shown a “Confirmation Page”.  You may print the confirmation page for your records.  From the online Confirmation page, you will have the opportunity to link to the New York State resident online TAP application.
  • It is important to follow up on the results of your application.  You will receive a notification by e-mail (if you provided and e-mail address on the application) or by postal mail.  Under usual circumstances, if your application is signed and submitted online, we will have the results to your application no later than two weeks after it has been submitted.  You can also log on to the FAFSA website to see if your application has been processed. If you have claimed your CUNY 1st account, follow the instructions on the following web address: http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/ofa/geninfo/awardsonline.html.

    If you have been selected for “Verification”, you may be required to bring requested specific documents to the Financial Aid Office, including but not limited to; IRS Tax transcripts, W2 forms, Resident card, Social Security card, and other such information.

Tips

  • Apply for Financial Aid every year. Financial aid programs change. Changes in your situation affect your eligibility.
  • Meet the deadlines. The deadline to fill out your 2013-14 FAFSA is June 30, 2014, but if you are planning to attend classes on Fall 2013 and/or Spring 2014 and are depending on financial aid to cover your tuition, be sure you submit your financial aid application much earlier. FAFSA applications are available at the beginning of January. Remember, the FAFSA response will take no longer than 14 days if you apply over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov (4-6 weeks if you mail your application).
  • Don't pay for Financial Aid information that you can get for free See one of our bilingual counselors at the Office of Financial Aid during office  hours, or visit the World Wide Web at www.hesc.com or www.MappingYourFuture.org.
  • Attend financial aid clinics. Clinics will provide you valuable information and assistance with Financial Aid and other information. To check our clinic dates, visit the Financial Aid office periodically for updates or call 718-518-6555.
  • Stay informed about Financial Aid information through our website.