State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; 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 other eligible non-citizens. 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.

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. 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 ESF College Aid, Federal Student Aid, and New York State Aid later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.

In addition, students are only eligible to receive most types of aid for courses that are required for degree completion. Students enrolled in credits beyond the number required for the degree or enrolled in courses that are not applicable to a degree requirement will have financial aid adjusted accordingly.

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.

Financial Aid Philosophy

Financial aid at SUNY ESF is intended to assist students with education and essential cost-of-living expenses. Funds are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and are coordinated to supplement parental support, student employment earnings, savings, and assistance from other sources. Some scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on additional criteria, such as academic achievement. Graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships are not based on financial need.

Special Circumstances

Financial aid advisors at SUNY ESF are aware of the many challenges involved with financing higher education and meeting day-to-day living expenses. Families and students with special circumstances affecting their ability to cover these expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. Circumstances warranting a file review include, but are not limited to:

• Job Loss or Change in Family Income
• Education or Essential Living Expenses not Included in the Cost of Attendance Budget
• Unexpected or Unreimbursed Medical Expenses