Q: Where can I go for help with financial aid?
A: The Office of Financial Aid, which is open 6 days a week. You can call for an appointment or just drop in - every day is Open House at Dowling.

Q: How will I know if I qualify for financial aid?
A: The first step is to apply. Complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to the federal government for processing. Dowling's school code is #002667. This form will ask questions about your family status and your family income.

After submitting the FAFSA, you will receive Student Aid Reports (SARS) from the Department of Education. If you listed Dowling's school code on your original application, we will receive them electronically. If you did not list our school code, please contact us so that we can direct you.

These forms are used to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based assistance. Legal New York State residents will receive an Express TAP Application (ETA) after filing the FAFSA. This form is used to determine eligibility for the New York State TAP Grant.

The Office of Financial Aid will determine your eligibility for financial aid and send you an award letter, commonly called a "financial aid package." You are more than welcome to visit our office or to ask questions about your award letter after it has been received.

Q: What other paperwork is involved?
A: Often, we are required to obtain documents supporting the information you supplied on the FAFSA and TAP application. We will notify you if other forms are required in your particular case. Typical examples include copies of tax returns and documentation of untaxed income received by you and/or your family. If you wish to participate in one of the various loan programs (Dowling participates in the federal Direct Student Loan Program), you must complete promissory notes indicating your willingness to repay the loan and undergo an entrance interview to learn your rights and responsibilities as a loan borrower.

Q: Who needs to supply information on the financial aid applications?
A: In all cases, you will need to supply your information and your spouse's, if you are married. If you are classified as a "dependent" student, you will also need to provide information from your parent(s). If your parents are divorced, you should use the information for the parent that you lived with the most during the last 12 month period. In general, single undergraduate students under the age of 24 are considered to be dependent on their parents. For more specific information on dependency, please refer to the federal Student Aid Guide or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Q: I don't think I will be eligible for aid. Should I still apply?
A: Yes! There are many financial aid programs for students at different income levels. Also, financial aid rules and regulations change routinely, and new programs are often introduced. It is important to apply so that we can best help you as you plan for your educational goals.

Q: Do I have to apply each year?
A: Yes, financial aid is awarded one year at a time. While we make every effort to continue funding for students as they progress through their program of study, it is important to apply on-time each year so that we can get your paperwork processed in time for you to pay your tuition bill.

Q: What are the main sources of aid that I can apply for?
A: There are many types of financial aid available to both full and part time students at Dowling College. Institutional scholarships are made available each year to help academically gifted freshmen and transfer students (those with an associate degree or equivalent). They are available for both full and part time study. These scholarships are merit-based and do not require that the recipient demonstrate financial need. In addition, Dowling has numerous athletic scholarships for qualified student-athletes.

Dowling College grants are made available to full-time undergraduate students who have financial need. Eligibility is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal government.

Dowling also participates in a variety of federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant Program, the SEOG Grant Program, the federal Direct Student Loan and Perkins Loan Programs, and the federal college work study program. New York State provides additional financial aid for its New York State residents, primarily under the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) and Aid for Part Time Students (APTS) Programs.

In addition, there are a variety of payment plans and alternative loan programs available for students at Dowling College.

For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 1-800-DOWLING.

Q: When is the deadline for financial aid?
A: Like admission, Dowling deals with financial aid on a rolling basis. We recommend that you submit the FAFSA before April 30th to maximize your eligibility for financial aid

Q: If I plan to attend summer classes, am I eligible for financial aid?
A: In general, students who will b enrolled for 6 or more credits in the summer semesters are eligible to borrow a portion of their federal student loans. Please note that summer aid can reduce your available financial aid for the academic year. Please contact us about special rules regarding summer TAP and Pell.

Q: Are special circumstances considered?
A: We encourage you to contact our office if you feel that you or your family has extenuating circumstances that were not considered when you initially completed your FAFSA. For example, a family may experience a loss of income due to unemployment or a divorce. Every situation is unique, so we will work with you to determine what financing options are available to assist your family. In all cases, a written appeal detailing your special circumstances and providing appropriate documentation will be required in order for further review of your file to take place.

Q: If I drop a course or withdraw, what will happen to my financial aid?
A: If a student drops a course that changes their registration status, their aid package will be adjusted. If a student withdraws from the College completely, a refund calculation will be completed and the appropriate amount of federal aid will be returned to the federal government.

Q: I was awarded Federal Work Study (FWS). Do I have to accept it?
A: FWS provides you with the opportunity to work on campus for a paycheck. You are not required to accept the award. If you choose to accept FWS, you will be issued a paycheck based on the hours worked. FWS earnings are not automatically applied toward student's tuition bill. If you complete the Tuition Reduction Form available in our Student Services Office, your on-campus earnings can be credited to your tuition account.