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Financial Aid

www.esf.edu/financialaid

The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; diversity student scholarships and fellowships; assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students; a deferred tuition payment plan; and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.

Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents, or holders of I-151 cards. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another. This information is presented in detail in the ESF Financial Aid and Scholarships Guide, which is a separate publication that is mailed to all applicants and is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is also available at the financial aid website, listed above.

Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement or minority status. Assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based upon academic achievement.

In order for students to receive aid, they must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Please refer to the appropriate sections under New York State Awards and Federal Awards later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Financial aid advisors are aware of the many problems associated with financing higher education and meeting living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students and are available to discuss individual problems. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Applying For and Receiving Aid

How to Apply

Students interested in receiving financial assistance, with the exception of graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships, must complete the application process each year.

After January 1, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and submit it to the Federal Student Aid Processor. The web-based version of the FAFSA is filed electronically at www.fafsa.gov

The priority application deadline for first consideration is March 1 for enering freshmen and March 15 for transfer students.

Applications will be accepted after March 1, but available funds may already be committed to other students. Prospective students do not need to receive notification of acceptance to ESF before applying for financial aid; however, they must be accepted to the College before a financial aid decision is rendered.

All students and parents are encouraged to visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships home page on the Internet at www.esf.edu/financialaid/.

The paper version of the FAFSA is available for download at www.fafsa.gov or at your high school guidance office.

Students are invited to discuss with the Financial Aid staff any problems they may have in financing their education. Applicants are also urged to contact the office for the latest information and requirements pertaining to financial assistance because financial aid systems and forms frequently change.

Selection of Recipients

The primary consideration in determining which students will receive awards is comparative financial need. However, academic achievement, citizenship and potential contribution to the College community are also considered in making certain award decisions.

Verification of Information

All students who request financial assistance will be required to submit information about their family and/or personal financial situation prior to aid disbursement. The College will request copies of parents’ and/or students’ federal tax forms, along with other statements to verify other sources of income, family size, number of dependents in college and other pertinent information.

Failure to comply with a request to verify pertinent information will result in the cancellation of any aid offered, and the possibility of legal action being taken by the U.S. Department of Education.

Appeal, Probation, Reinstatement

Students who fall below the minimum College, state and federal academic progress standards may appeal to the dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies to retain their academic eligibility to receive Title IV Federal Student Assistance. The minimum academic progress standards are presented below.

Appeals will be evaluated for mitigating circumstances such as injury or illness, and the likelihood that the student will be able to return to the appropriate standard. If the dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies places a student on “academic probation,” the student remains eligible for Title IV aid as defined by the Statement of Good Academic Standing.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify students via certified mail if they are in danger of losing financial assistance because they have fallen below academic standards.

New York State Awards

All students who are awarded financial assistance will be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester in order to keep their awards. Academic progress standards for all awards provided by New York are listed below. Recipients of a New York state award must adhere to the following state requirements:

Academic Progress: Students must meet the minimum standards listed in the following charts to be eligible for an award the next semester.
Program Pursuit: Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours each semester based on a full-time course load of 12 credit hours.
- Associate in applied science degree students must complete 75 percent of the full-time credit load. Therefore, they must receive at least nine credits per semester (.75 x 12 = 9).
- Bachelor’s degree students must complete 100 percent of a full-time credit load (12 credit hours) each semester.
- Graduate degree students must complete 100 percent of a full-time credit load (12 credit hours) unless they have an assistantship. Graduate students with an assistantship should see the section on credit hour load in the graduate academic policies section of this catalog for the definition of full-time status.
- C Average: Students having completed their second academic year (or 24 payment points) must have a cumulative C (2.000) grade point average to retain their New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Award.

Waivers for New York State Awards

Students who fall below the credit or grade point average requirements listed on the following charts may apply for a waiver to continue their eligibility for financial aid. Students are allowed only one waiver during undergraduate work and only one waiver during graduate work. A waiver will be granted only after the student and College officials agree that a waiver is in the best interest of the student. The waiver is not automatic. The waiver must be filed within the academic period it should cover. Requests are made through the director of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Waivers for the cumulative grade point average requirement may be granted only when failure to meet this requirement is due to:

the death of a relative of the student;
the personal injury or illness of the student;
other extenuating circumstances.

Requests for a waiver are made through the director of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Purpose of Determining Eligibility for New York State Student Aid

The charts below list the credit hours a student must complete and the grade point average a student must maintain to receive the award payment.

For students pursuing an associate degree program at ESF:

Payment	Credit Hours	Grade Point Average
#1	0	.000
#2	6	1.300
#3	15	1.500
#4	27	1.800
#5	39	2.000
#6	51	2.000

Noncredit remedial instruction can be counted toward a full-time academic load as set forth in 145-2.1 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. The number of credits in this chart refers to work completed toward the degree.

For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree program at ESF:

Payment	Credit Hours	Grade Point Average
#1	0	.000
#2	1	1.500
#3	15	.1.800
#4	27	1.800
#5	39	2.000
#6	51	2.000
#7	66	2.000
#8	81	2.000
#9	96	2.000
#10	111	2.000

For students pursuing any graduate degree program at ESF:

Payment	Credit Hours	Grade Point Average
#1	0	.000
#2	6	2.000
#3	12	2.500
#4	21	2.750
#5	30	3.000
#6	45	3.000
#7	60	3.000
#8	75	3.000

Federal Awards

Undergraduate and graduate students must meet specified criteria in order to be eligible for Title IV Federal Student Assistance, which includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Perkins Student Loans, Federal William D. Ford Direct Loans, the Federal College Work-Study Program, and the Federal William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students.

The criteria students must meet to be eligible for Title IV student aid are the same criteria all ESF students must adhere to in terms of institutional academic policies and academic progress toward a degree. The evaluation criteria are the following:

an appropriate grade point average to ensure satisfactory academic progress;
the successful accumulation of credits toward a degree (Pursuit of Program);
receipt of a degree within the prescribed time limit for that program. Limits vary for individual programs; see below for the standard.

Students receiving federal student aid funds (Title IV aid) must make steady academic progress toward their degrees. While most students pursue their degrees on a full-time basis, others do not. In order to allow for maximum flexibility to complete a degree, federal regulations state that students' maximum time to be eligible for federal aid shall not exceed 150 percent of the published length of time it takes to complete that degree on a full-time basis.

Additionally, federal student aid (Title IV) eligibility is related to the successful completion of credit hours earned versus attempted. This component of eligibility is referred to as Pursuit of Program. Pursuit of Program is defined as: The number of credit hours attempted divided by the number of credit hours earned. This equation is tied back into the overall credits needed to be earned to graduate for any of our degrees. Generally, the number of credits a student must earn each semester and year to remain fully eligible is 67 percent (.67).

This measurement is reviewed each semester and again at the end of each academic year. Students receiving federal student aid from Title IV programs must be making progress towards their degree at a rate of .67 earned out of hours attempted. An example is:

Fall Semester Credits Attempted = 15

Fall Semester Credits Earned = 12

Pursuit of Program = 12 divided by 15 = .80

The earned credits exceed .67 and the student is eligible for continuing to receive Title IV aid by successfully meeting the Pursuit of Program component.

An example of an unsuccessful attempt is:

Fall Semester Credits Attempted = 15

Fall Semester Credits Earned = 6

Pursuit of Program = 6 divided by 15 = .40

The credits earned fall below the standard of .67 and therefore the student does not meet the Pursuit of Program standard and will be reviewed by the Financial Aid office and Academic Standards Committee to determine if the student can be placed on probation or given a warning in order to continue to receive Title IV aid.

In severe cases the student may indeed lose eligibility for all Title IV aid.

Title IV Aid : Warning – Probation – Suspension and Appeals

Students receiving Federal Title IV aid will be reviewed by the College as stated above in order to comply with our responsibility with the regulations. This review will monitor progress towards a student’s degree as well as their overall grade point average. As a result of this semester or annual review, the student may receive a warning that indicates they are in danger of not making progress. Some students may be placed on probation yet allowed to receive aid. Students in this category will receive a suggested academic path to ensure their continued progress toward the degree. Students will remain eligible as long as they stay on target with the recommendation provided.

Some students may have their eligibility for Title IV aid revoked. If that occurs, the student can appeal that decision. Students who make an appeal of their loss of Title IV aid must contact the director of Financial Aid in written form. The appeal must contain information regarding:

Why the student failed to make progress toward the degree
What has changed for the student that will allow the student to make progress
What corrective action the student has taken to ensure successful completion toward the degree?

The following chart lists the maximum number of credit hours a student may take and still receive federal student aid. These figures are based on 150 percent of the credit hours required to complete each of the degrees offered by the College regardless of the time it takes to complete that degree.

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Purpose of Determining Eligibility for Federal Aid

Degree	Credit Hours Required	Maximum Hours Allowed
Associate in Applied Science
Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation	75	112
Forest Technology	78	117
Land Surveying Technology	78	117
Bachelor of Science	125	187
Aquatic and Fisheries Science	126	189
Bioprocess Engineering	127	190
Biotechnology	123	184
Chemistry	121	181
Conservation Biology	126	189
Construction Management	128	192
Environmental Biology	126	189
Environmental Resources Engineering	125	187
Environmental Science	125	187
Environmental Studies	121-124	186
Forest Ecosystems Science	128	192
Forest Engineering	125	187
Forest Health	126	189
Forest Resources Management	129	193
Natural History and Interpretation	126	189
Natural Resources Management	122	183
Paper Engineering	136	204
Paper Science	126	189
Wildlife Science	126	189
Wood Products Engineering	128	192
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture	150	225
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture/Master of Science	150/30	225
Master of Forestry	30	45
Master of Landscape Architecture	66	99
Master of Professional Studies (unless otherwise noted)	30	45
Chemistry	33	49
Environmental and Forest Biology	42	63
Environmental Science	39	58
Master of Science	30	45
Environmental Studies	37	55
Doctor of Philosophy	60	90

Types of Available Awards

Scholarship, Fellowship, and Grant Programs

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

The College receives Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) authorized under Title IV-A of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These funds enable the College to award grants to undergraduate students who have financial need. Grants range from $100 to $2,000 per year.

Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant Program was authorized in the Educational Amendments of 1972. Grants are available to eligible full-time and part-time undergraduate students and can vary from $550 to $5,550. Eligibility for a Pell Grant is determined by filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Educational Opportunity Program

Students accepted into the College’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) may receive, in addition to other financial assistance, a special award to pay for education-related costs. Students must come from a socio-economic and academically disadvantaged background to be eligible.

Prospective EOP students must apply for financial aid when submitting their admissions applications.

Tuition Assistance Program and Regents Programs

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards are available to New York residents enrolled in full-time degree programs. The awards are based on income and range from $100 to 95 percent of full tuition.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Grants are awarded to children of parents who served during specific periods of war or national emergency and who died as a result of such service, suffered a disability of at least 40 percent, was classified as missing in action or was a prisoner of war. The awards entitle state residents who qualify to $450 per year.

Additional information and applications for these programs are available from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, or from New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, N.Y. 12255, www.hesc.com.

Vocational and Educational Services Grants

Financial assistance and program counseling are provided by New York state for students with disabling conditions. Information is available from any New York Office of Vocational and Educational Services. VESID assistance amounts will be determined by SUNY-ESF following receipt of payment authorizations and calculation worksheets from the assigned VESID counselor.

Veterans’ Benefits

The Veterans’ Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966, as amended, enables veterans and children of deceased or disabled veterans to obtain financial aid for their college education.

Application forms and additional information and counseling are available from the ESF Veterans’ Affairs Counselor in the Office of the Registrar, local Veterans’ Administration offices, and the State Regional Office, 111 West Huron Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202.

Diversity Student Scholarships and Fellowships

Undergraduate students who are New York residents and Black/Non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Native American or Alaskan Native are eligible for scholarships comprising funds from both the College and SUNY. Eligible students should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Awards are based on need, and funds are limited.

The Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program provides tuition and stipends to graduate students who have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education and will contribute to the diversity of the student body. Recipients must be full-time students during the period of the award. Continuation of the award is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree. Individuals should contact the director of Multicultural Affairs for application guidelines.

Assistance for Native American Students

Native American students with financial need may be eligible for scholarship and grant assistance through programs sponsored by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the New York State Education Department. For more information, students should contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1951 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., or the Native American Education Unit, State Education Department, Education Building Annex, Albany, N.Y. 12234.

Private Fellowships, Scholarships and Grants

The College administers more than 200 private fellowships, scholarships and grants established by individuals, companies, organizations and foundations. These funds have varying eligibility requirements, which are described in more detail at www.esf.edu/financialaid.

A list of the private funds administered by the ESF College Foundation may be found at www.esf.edu/development/scholarships/scholarships.htm.

Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships from the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation, Inc. are awarded to undergraduate students in paper science and paper engineering who are United States citizens or permanent residents. SPPF scholarships and awards vary based on a student's cumulative grade point average. Entering freshman students will be reviewed for scholarships based on their high school academic record. Entering freshman and transfer students and ESF continuing students in PBE, who have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average or higher, will be considered for scholarship assistance. Awards are renewed each semester subject to scholarship committee approval. Students should contact the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation or see www.esf.edu/pbe/sppf for further information.

State University Supplemental Tuition Assistance

The College annually awards small grants to a limited number of students with financial need as part of the State University Supplemental Tuition Assistance program.

Employment Opportunities

Federal College Work-Study Program

The College participates in the Federal College Work-Study Program, which provides part-time jobs during the academic year and full-time positions during the summer to students who need financial assistance to attend the College. Wages for these positions begin at the minimum wage and increase as duties and responsibilities increase. The current wages are $7.25 per hour during the academic year and $8.25 per hour during the summer.

Job Locator Service

The College coordinates and maintains an active program of part-time and summer employment opportunities. Interested students should contact the student employment coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for additional information. The program is open to all ESF students seeking employment.

Student and Parent Loans

Federal Perkins Student Loans

Federal Perkins Student Loans are available to students with financial need who are enrolled at least half time. A total of $4,000 can be borrowed each year for four years, up to a maximum of $20,000. A repayment plan, including 5 percent interest, begins nine months after the student leaves college. Deferment and cancellation benefits are available in certain situations. The average loan per student totaled $2,000 in 2010-2011.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loans

The Federal Direct Student Loan program is administered by the College through the U.S. Department of Education.

These loans are available to students who are registered at least half time. Undergraduate students can borrow as follows: $5,500 in the first year; $6,500 in the second year; $7,500 in the third, fourth and fifth years up to a total of $31,000. Graduate students can borrow $8,500 a year up to a total of $65,500 in subsidized loans ($138,500 subsidized and unsubsidized).

Direct loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized or a combination. A subsidized loan is such that interest does not accrue while the borrower is in school. An unsubsidized loan is such that the borrower must make interest-only payments while in school or allow interest payments to be added to the principal.

Beginning July 1, 2011, all new subsidized loans have a fixed interest rate of 3.4 percent. Unsubsidized loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent.

A repayment plan, with a variable or fixed percent interest, begins six months after the student leaves college. An additional fee of up to 1.5 percent is charged at the time the loan is received. Applications are available at www.esf.edu/financialaid/direct.htm. The average subsidized Stafford Student Loan was $5,000 for undergraduates and $8,500 for graduate students in 2010-2011. The average unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan was $4,000 for undergraduates and $6,500 for graduate students in 2010-2011.

Federal William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

Parents of undergraduate students may borrow from the U.S. Department of Education up to the cost of attendance at ESF annually at an interest rate of 7.9 percent with a Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). A repayment plan begins 60 days after receipt of the loan.

William D. Ford Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate students may borrow from the U.S. Department of Education up to the cost of attendance at ESF annually at an interest rate of 7.9 percent. Students must file a FAFSA with the school.

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships

Assistantships are awarded to graduate students who have demonstrated scholarship and academic promise, and whose education and experience enable them to assist in the teaching, outreach, and/or research missions of the College. The amounts of the assistantships range from $11,060 per academic year to as high as $30,000 for a calendar year (for full-time awards). In addition, a tuition scholarship may be awarded. Students who hold an assistantship must be enrolled for full-time study as defined by graduate policies and be making satisfactory progress toward completing their degree.

Guidelines and criteria for awards are posted on the “Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students” website:www.esf.edu/graduate/awards.htm.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For a higher resolution version of the above tables, see the Financial Aid and Scholarships supplement (PDF).