Direct Stafford Loan Counseling
Entrance Counseling for Fall 2017
If you are awarded a Direct Stafford Loan for the first time at FIT, you must complete an entrance counseling session and complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before your loan funds can be disbursed. If you were unable to attend the two sessions during Orientation Week, there are additional "in-person" Entrance Loan Counseling sessions at the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester. You can find the list of these sessions at Direct Stafford Loan Counseling Sessions. Online entrance counseling can also be completed at StudentLoans.gov
New York State's Excelsior Scholarship
The application period for the 2017-2018 Academic Year is now closed.
Applications for Spring 2018 only - To be announced.
Go to hesc.ny.gov/excelsior to learn about this scholarship.
This New York plan will be phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,00 annually in the Fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018 and reaching $125,000 in 2019. A New York State resident can receive up to $5,500 from the Excelsior Scholarship, minus any amounts received for TAP, Pell or other scholarships. Eligible students will receive awards for this fall.
To complete the application you will need:
- Copies of 2015 New York State income tax return(s) filed by you and your parent(s) or your spouse, as applicable.
- Your current unofficial college transcript showing the number of credits you earned each year prior to applying for this program if you have previously attended. At FIT you can access an "Unofficial Student Transcript" on the STUDENT tab though MyFIT .
- Your Student Aid Report (SAR), which you received when you filed your FAFSA. You can go online to fafsa.gov to access an online copy of your SAR.
To see more information about the Excelsior Scholarship you can go to:
Excelsior Scholarship Fact Sheet
Excelsior Scholarship FAQ's
Excelsior Scholarship Tips
Direct Stafford Loan Counseling - Exit Counseling for Spring 2017
Exit counseling is required when you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. At FIT you must be enrolled in at least 6 credits in your degree program to be considered half-time for Direct Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Financial Aid Services "in-person" Direct Stafford Loan Exit Counseling Sessions for Spring 2017 semester have ended. We will still provide a personalized folder for you and you should have received and email from the Loan Team with instructions. If you have any questions regarding your exit counseling or your loans you can contact the Loan Team at FITLoans@fitnyc.edu. An online exit counseling session can also be completed at StudentLoans.gov.
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