Empowering Your College Journey: A Message on Affordability
OWN YOUR FUTURE
Dear Parents and Students, As the excitement of embarking on the journey to higher education looms ahead, we understand the financial considerations that come with this significant milestone. At SUNY Old Westbury, we are committed to making education accessible and affordable for every student, recognizing the transformative power it holds. It is why we are not only recognized as a “Best Value” by Money Magazine but we are also ranked 13 in the nation by U.S. News for empowering social mobility. We want to assure you that we are steadfast in our efforts to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing a college education. Our dedicated financial aid team is here to guide you through the various options available, including scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans, tailored to meet individual needs. We believe every student should have the chance to excel academically, regardless of their financial background. In addition to grants, we offer work-study programs, internship opportunities, and resources to help students gain practical experience while earning an income. On the next page you will see actual financial aid packages for students who attended SUNY Old Westbury during the current 2023-24 academic year. It’s essential to us that you can focus on your education and personal growth without being hindered by financial concerns. Our commitment to transparency means that we provide detailed information about tuition, fees, and associated costs upfront, allowing you to plan effectively for your college journey. Soon you will be receiving an invitation to our admitted student day on March 9, 2024. Our financial aid office will be there to answer any questions or concerns about affordability, in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our financial aid office. We are here to assist you on this exciting and transformative journey. Wishing you a prosperous and successful college experience. Sincerely, Mildred Santiago O’Keefe Director of Financial Aid
Learn more at our Admitted Students Reception! Register today!
SAMPLE FALL SEMESTER AWARDS! Mario Del Panther, Incoming Freshmen
Adjusted Gross Household Income: $28,000-$30,000 Mario is an incoming student from Hicksville, NY. He and his parents filled out his FAFSA form as soon as it came out and as a result was able to get a full financial aid package that included a Federal Pell Grant, the NY State Tuition Grant (TAP), and an additional State Grant (SUNYTC) to cover any additional fees. Because Mario has a job near his home that he has been working at for over a year, he and his family decided that commuting was a better option. Mario also did the right thing and filled out his intent to register in February after receiving his acceptance letter to lock in his awards! Let’s take a look at his financial aid package. CHARGES Tuition & Fees
AID AWARDED
$4,189.50
Federal Pell TAP SUNYTC
$3,697.00 $2,580.00 $662.60
Final Semester Cost to student
-$2,750.10 (refund)
As you can see, Mario’s tuition and fees are covered, and he has enough money left over for books and a commuter meal plan for those days when he has classes through lunch. Mario had a very successful year!
Sasha Excelsior
Adjusted Gross Household Income: Less than $125,000 Sasha is an incoming student from Uniondale. Like Mario and Sandra, she and her parents filled out her FAFSA form as soon as it came out. Because her family income was less than $125,000 per year, she was eligible to receive the NYS Excelsior Scholarship to assist her with her tuition. Let’s see her financial aid awards. CHARGES Tuition & Fees NYS Excelsior Scholarship Excelsior Tuition credit Final Semester Cost to student
AID AWARDED
$4,189.50 $2,750.00 $785.00 $654.50
Sasha’s Tuition is covered by her NYS Excelsior awards. She received $1000 as a graduation gift that helped cover the rest of the other fees she had. She enjoyed her first year and plans on joining the soccer team this year!
Sandra O’Westbury, 2nd Year Student
Adjusted Gross Household Income: $40,000-$45,000 Sandy is a second-year student from Queens. Like Mario, she and her parents filled out her FAFSA form as soon as it came out and as a result was able to get a full financial aid package that included a Federal Pell Grant, a Federal SEOG grant, the NY State Tuition Grant (TAP), and an additional State Grant (SUNYTC) to assist with any additional fees. Sandy had a terrific freshmen year and joined many clubs and organizations including the Student Government Association. Although she had a great time, she felt that she missed out on things not living on campus. She and her family made the decision to live on campus given her involvement! Let’s take a look at her financial aid package. CHARGES Tuition & Fees
$4,189.50
Room & Board Federal Pell TAP SUNYTC
$6,880.00
AID AWARDED
$3,697.00 $2,580.00 $662.60
Federal SEOG
$2,000.00
Final Semester Cost to student
$2,129.90
When Sandra’s financial aid package came out, she was THRILLED to find out that she would be able to live on campus and have three meals a day for just $2,129. She decided to take out a small $2200 loan to cover the expenses. Because she lived on campus, she ran for President of the Student Government where she regularly met with the President Sams. Having that kind of connection will prove very fruitful in Sandra’s future!
Gabriela Undocted
Gabriela is an undocumented student. While she was ineligible to fill out a FAFSA form to receive federal aid, she worked with the Admissions and Financial Aid offices here at SUNY Old Westbry to see if she qualified for any additional State aid. The staff immediately informed Gabriela that she qualifies for our new program called the Dream US Scholarship program. She is receiving the following: CHARGES Tuition & Fees
AID AWARDED
$4,114.50
The DREAM.US Scholarship TAP SUNYTC
$3,588.41 $617.50 $158.59
Final Semester Cost to student
$0.00
Gabriela knew that SUNY Old Westbury is always ranked among the highest institutions in Social Mobility. Accordingly, SUNY Old Westbury did everything possible to help her reach her goal of higher education. We can’t wait to see how she will THRIVE!
Learn more at our Admitted Students Reception! Register today!