First-time college student? Here’s how to apply for financial aid.
If this is your first time applying to college, it’s also your first time applying for financial aid. We’ve made it a little easier to get through the financial aid process by breaking it into individual steps. Through this process, you’ll get all the information you need to apply for grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.
2025 / 2026 FAFSA Is Available!
The 2025 / 2026 FAFSA is available!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025 / 2026 academic year is now available for students and families to complete.
It is important for students and parents to be informed of any changes made to the FAFSA application. For more information please use the following link to the U.S. Department of Education's site.
MCC federal school code: 002872
MCC TAP school code: 2180
FINANCIAL AID: STEP BY STEP
Applying for financial aid can take a little time, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll have several opportunities to get the money you need to help pay for your education.
The steps listed below are for all students applying to college for the first time, whether you plan to go full-time or part-time. By following these steps, you’ll get through the process as quickly and easily as possible.
If you need help, feel free to contact MCC’s Financial Aid Office at (585) 292-2050 or email us. Feel free to use our financial aid computer lab, where you can get help filling out your financial aid applications.
Keep in mind that you should file early, as it can take several weeks to get your applications approved.
You’ll need this unique login for several important financial aid-related tasks.
The best way to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is online. (This is where you’ll need your FSA ID from Step 1.) If you don’t have access to a computer, come to one of our financial aid computer labs, where you can use an MCC computer and get all the help you need.
We recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to complete your FAFSA. This online tool pulls information from your federal tax return and ensures your application is filled out accurately.
Changes to the FAFSA® Process for 2022–23: Submit a FAFSA Earlier
Students will be able to submit a 2022–23 FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2021, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2022. Here’s a summary of key dates for submitting the FAFSA depending on when you plan to go to school:
| You Plan to Attend College From: | You Will Submit This FAFSA: | You Can Submit the FAFSA from: | Using Income & Tax Info From: |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2021 - May 2022 | 2021-22 | October 1, 2020 - June 30, 2022 | 2019 |
| May 2022 - May 2023 | 2022-23 | October 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023 | 2020 |
| May 2023 - May 2024 | 2023-24 | October 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024 | 2021 |
- U.S. Department of Education federal student aid resources.
- Federal Student Aid website.
Watch our overview on the FAFSA for First-Time Filers.
FAFSA First-Time Filers-Overview Video
Are you a New York State resident? Do you plan to attend MCC either full- or part-time? You can apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance program (TAP) or Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program. These two grants are provided through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
MCC’s TAP code is 2180. If you’re not a New York State resident, skip to Step 4.
Full-time – The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant for students meeting residence, income, academic or other requirements. When you complete your FAFSA online, you’ll be given a link on the FAFSA website, so you can complete the NYS Express TAP Application (ETA). If you fill out a paper FAFSA, you’ll be sent your ETA by mail.
Keep in mind that getting your official TAP notification will take three to eight weeks. If you’d like to check the status of your TAP application, visit the My HESC Account Access page.
Part-time – If you’re planning on attending MCC part-time and meet residence, income, academic and other requirements, you can apply for a grant through the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study. You can get an application at one of the MCC Financial Aid Offices or download one from our forms page.
- Deadlines for the APTS – Submit your completed application to the MCC Financial Aid Office prior to the deadlines indicated on the application:
- Fall semester – usually mid-August
- Spring semester – usually mid-January
You’ll receive your award notification approximately six to eight weeks after the application deadline. Get more information on APTS.
What is the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?
What is the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Program (APTS)?
After your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) either by email or through the mail, depending on whether you filed an electronic or paper application.
The SAR uses your FAFSA information to determine your estimated family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is the money your family can contribute to help you pay for college. MCC subtracts your EFC from the cost of attendance to figure out your financial need.
Be sure to review your SAR for accuracy. You can make corrections to the FAFSA. If you received your SAR by mail, make the corrections on your paper SAR, then sign and return it to the address on your SAR.
Once the corrections are processed, you’ll receive a revised SAR. Be sure to keep a copy of your SAR for your records.
Watch our informational video: Is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) the actual amount that we will owe the school?
After your FAFSA is processed, MCC will receive your information electronically. (If you file online, we’ll receive it within one to two weeks. If you complete a paper FAFSA, it will take four to eight weeks. Remember, you can always file your FAFSA online at one of our financial aid computer labs.)
If there is an error in or a verification issue with your FAFSA, the MCC Financial Aid Office will contact you via your MCC email address. We may need additional information to correct these problems before your financial aid can be finalized and applied to your account. So, please check your MCC email every day.
Congratulations! You’ve completed all the necessary financial aid paperwork. We know the process can be time consuming, but it’s definitely worth it. When you receive your notice about your financial aid awards from MCC, any grants for which you’re eligible will be credited toward your tuition charges automatically.
Want to check your aid?
- Check your FAFSA status. You will need your FSA ID; if you have forgotten or misplaced it, you can request a new one at the Federal Student Aid web page.
- Check your TAP status. You will need your TAP or HESC PIN.
- Check your MCC application and accept any offered financial aid awards. You will need your MCC Student ID number and MCC PIN.
For more information, watch our Financial Aid videos:
Will financial aid pay for all of my expenses?
Are there resources available in the parents name to help pay for their student’s education?
Please keep in mind that not everyone will qualify for a Federal Pell and/or TAP grant, or be eligible for a grant large enough to meet educational costs. Luckily, there are many other ways to help you finance your education at MCC: