The Peru Gazette

New FAFSA Dashboard Provides an Interactive Snapshot of the FAFSA Completion Status and Financial Aid Navigator Helps Students Maximize New York State Financial Aid

Albany, NY, April 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York State, reaffirming the state’s commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education. This year’s campaign, titled “You Belong,” aims to equip students and families with the tools and resources needed to navigate the financial aid process, emphasizing that there’s a college for everyone in New York State.“

New Tools and Support Help Students and Families Navigate Financial Aid

Throughout April the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host over two dozen events to help students and families understand the financial aid available to them and navigate the FAFSA and TAP application processes. These events will provide one-on-one support, expert guidance and resources to maximize financial aid opportunities. CUNY launched a Financial Literacy Video Series for Students and the student financial services resource centers across CUNY campuses are open to provide one-on-one in-person or virtual assistance.

As part of its continued efforts to improve access to financial aid information and support, HESC launched new tools and enhanced services designed to support students, counselors, financial aid professionals and partners. These include:

• Financial Aid Navigator: A step-by-step tool that guides students through a series of questions about their academic plans, residency, and household information to generate a personalized list of New York State financial aid programs they may be eligible for, including grants, scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.
• FAFSA Completion Dashboard: An interactive dashboard that provides a monthly snapshot of FAFSA completion rates among New York’s high school seniors and serves as a key tool for tracking progress statewide. Users can compare New York’s cumulative completion rate to the national average and explore data at the high school, school district, regional and legislative district levels to support targeted outreach and student success efforts.
• Modernized Call Center: HESC enhanced its call center operations, ensuring students and families have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives, eliminating the need for appointments, and making it easier to get timely answers to financial aid questions. Students wishing to speak with HESC can call 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372).

Financial Aid Scholarships Available for Students

Governor Hochul continues her commitment to preparing New York’s future workforce for high-need job areas through scholarship opportunities.

Applications are now open for the NYS Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship as well as the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program for the 2026-27 academic year. These programs aim to support students pursuing careers in education, particularly in math and science teaching fields which are essential to addressing workforce shortages and shaping the next generation of workers. Additionally, applications remain open for the NYS STEM Incentive Program, which is open to eligible students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class who are interested in entering high-demand science, technology, engineering and math professions.

Students attending college for the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years can apply for TAP through June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027, respectively. Students should also complete their FAFSA by the same deadline.

Students who do not meet citizenship or residency requirements can apply for NYS financial aid through the NYS DREAM Act.