Explore opportunities to save or earn money for college. Last year we helped students get more than $26 million in aid for education!
Your FSA ID will act as your signature on your FAFSA. You can apply for a FSA ID at least 3 days before you file your FAFSA or upon completion of the FAFSA.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be completed online. You’ll need your tax returns and W-2’s. Dependent students will also need their parents’ financial information. Were you contacted about a FAFSA Verification? Learn more about this verification process.
Your NYS TAP Application can be completed immediately following the FAFSA. Students are encouraged to select that link to apply for TAP, or through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.
Student Success Center
One College Rd
Batavia, NY 14020
P: 585-345-6900
F: 585-343-6726
GCC Federal Code: 006782
GCC TAP Code: 2252
Our financial aid options put your future within reach.
Discover opportunities and awards based on outstanding academic merit
Find programs based on financial need and eligibility
Explore federal borrowing options for students and parents
Earn money for education expenses while attending classes
The Department of Education will pay your Federal aid through GCC. Federal financial aid is disbursed after census point for courses the student has commenced attendance. Students in late start classes will have their aid disbursed in accordance with the census point in that part of term.
Aid is first applied to tuition, fees and other in school charges. If money remains, the Business Office will refund you any excess aid.
Need more information regarding Federal financial aid? Visit the Federal Student Aid website or call the Federal hotline at 1-800-433-3243.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office to request an Appeal Form. Once completed, the Financial Aid Office will carefully review your request and determine if an adjustment can be made to your award.
Yes, you may use your Financial Aid to purchase books or a meal plan. You will need to authorize your aid for use in the Bookstore and cafeteria. To do this, log on to your myGCC account, select “Student Info” tab, click on the “Financial Aid Information Menu,” then click on “My Award Information,” click on “Authorize Funds for Bookstore Use.” Read through the provided information, select the term and click “submit,” then check both boxes and click “submit.”
All students are encouraged to pursue local and national awards for which they may qualify. The Genesee Community Foundation has over 50 available scholarships. Students may also research potential scholarships for free on the internet at Fastweb.com.
No. Many factors such as cost of attendance, family size, number of family members enrolled in college and assets are considered in determining eligibility.
Yes! It is necessary to reapply for aid each year by completing the FAFSA since your eligibility may change. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA soon after October 1st. You can file the FAFSA online.
Federal regulations require that funds be refunded to the Federal government based on the number of days the student was attending classes. In many cases, the student would likely owe a balance to the College and/or federal government.
If you have a refund of excess aid, you will receive an email to your GCC email account. Please remember that your financial aid will first go to pay any tuition, fees and institutional charges on your account. You must be in attendance of your classes to earn your aid. GCC disburses financial aid after census point. Students in late start classes will have their aid disbursed in accordance with the census point of the corresponding part of term.
Federal Financial Aid (including loans) and NYS TAP will disburse at the point that the College has verified you have commenced attendance in the course(s) for which the aid/loans relate. For example, if you are in “late start” classes (Last 12-week classes or Last 7-week classes), your aid will not disburse until such time as your courses have begun. The very earliest that a student can be issued a refund check is Week 6.
Review our Dates & Deadlines page for specific refund dates.
All student refunds will be mailed to the address on file, unless you select to receive it by Direct Deposit or Reloadable Debit Card (students must provide the reloadable debit card). Please follow the steps below to make a selection.
Log into myGCC > Select My Account > Select My Banner Self-Service > Select Manage My Student Account > Select Manage My Refunds > Choose your refund method and enter required information
Remember, in order to keep all your federal financial aid that is being refunded to you, you must attend beyond the 60% point of the semester. Students who do not complete at least 60% of the semester will have a portion of their aid returned to the appropriate aid programs at the end of the semester.
If you have specific questions about the disbursement of financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office directly.
The annual loan limits* are as follows:
| Year | Dependent | Independent |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman (0-23 credits) | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| Sophomore (24+ credits) | $6,500 | $10,500 |
*The amount you receive in a loan will vary based on your financial eligibility. Amounts are subject to change.
Need virtual financial aid assistance? Schedule a phone call or Zoom appointment with one of our team about general financial aid questions or their subject areas of expertise. You can also view our Financial Aid tutorials on YouTube.
Joseph Bailey, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services/Director of Financial Aid, can help you with Appeals (dependency status and satisfactory academic progress), Excelsior Scholarship, Federal Pell, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study and verification.
Lisa Papke, Financial Aid Counselor/Loan Certifying Officer, can help you with Student loans, Parent (PLUS) loans, Veterans benefits.
Katie Brown, Financial Aid Counselor/TAP Certifying Officer, can help you with TAP certification and verification.
Alexandria Haeberle, Financial Aid Counselor, can help you with General Financial Aid questions, Appeals (Dependency status and Satisfactory Academic Progress), scholarships, College Village (housing) financial aid, and verification.