General Requirements for Financial Aid

To receive federal or state financial aid for your classes at Dutchess Community College, you must meet certain general requirements.

Getting Started: FAFSA and TAP

It’s vital to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (NYS Tuition Assistance Program) applications on time every year. Each application becomes available on October 1, so be sure to apply as early as possible.

START YOUR FAFSA APPLY FOR TAP

Requirements

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number.
• Be a high school graduate or have a High School Equivalency (HSE, formerly GED).
• Be registered for the Selective Service (if required).
• Provide additional documentation when necessary, according to federal, state and College policies and regulations.
• Enroll in an approved program through the Admissions Office.
• Attend the classes that you are registered for.
• Not be in default on any previous student loans.
• Have never been convicted of a drug-related offense while receiving federal financial aid.
• Maintain Good Academic Standing and demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a certificate or degree. Please visit the pages for federal and state aid requirements for more information.
• Inform Student Financial Services of any changes in your financial resources.