Major Financial Assistance Sources

Federal Programs

Federal Financial Aid Programs

The following federal financial aid programs may be available to eligible students enrolled at Keuka College. To apply for federal financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many federal aid programs are awarded based on a student's financial need. Information provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate the student's Student Aid Index (SAI), a measure of the family's financial strength as determined under federal law. The SAI, along with the cost of attendance and other eligibility factors, is used to determine a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Once all eligibility requirements have been satisfied, eligible financial aid funds are applied to the student's account in accordance with federal regulations and institutional procedures.

Additional eligibility requirements and program-specific information are provided in the descriptions of the individual federal aid programs below.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federally funded, need-based grant program for eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Priority is given to students with exceptional financial need, particularly those who receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Because FSEOG funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, not all eligible students will receive an award. Students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to be considered for available funding.

Application: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The TEACH Grant provides federal grant assistance to eligible students enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program. To qualify, students must meet federal eligibility requirements, including maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 or meeting other academic criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education.

As a condition of receiving a TEACH Grant, students must complete TEACH Grant counseling and sign an Agreement to Serve or Repay. Recipients must agree to teach full-time in a designated high-need field at a school or educational service agency that serves low-income students for at least four academic years within eight years of completing or ceasing enrollment in the program for which the grant was received.

Failure to satisfy the service obligation will result in the TEACH Grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.

Application: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the Office of Financial Aid regarding eligibility and additional program requirements.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded, need-based employment program for eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time. The program provides opportunities for students to earn money to help meet educational and personal expenses while gaining valuable work experience and developing professional skills.

Students are typically employed in on-campus positions and are paid biweekly for hours worked at rates established by the College and applicable federal and state regulations. Awards represent the maximum amount a student may earn through the program; however, there is no guarantee that a student will earn the full amount awarded.

Employment opportunities, job availability, and earnings are dependent upon funding levels, position availability, and the number of hours worked.

Application: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students seeking job opportunities can find available positions on the Human Resources website at keuka.edu/hr."

Other Student Employment at Keuka College

Keuka College offers part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled full-time. Students are paid biweekly for hours worked. Student employment with the College provides the opportunity to connect with the campus community, learn valuable work-related skills, and helps them meet their educational and personal expenses while at Keuka College. A wide range of jobs are available to students each semester.

  • Job opportunities can be found on the Human Resources website (keuka.edu/hr).

There are also leadership positions, such as residence hall assistant and peer mentors for various programs, which are paid by stipend for their work. Contact Student Life Office for more information about the application process for these positions.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a need-based federal loan program available to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time, during the six-month grace period, and during certain authorized deferment periods.

Interest rates are fixed for the life of each loan but are established annually by federal law. Loan funds are disbursed directly to Keuka College, typically in at least two installments, and federal origination fees are deducted proportionately from each disbursement.

Repayment begins after a six-month grace period following graduation, withdrawal, or a drop below half-time enrollment. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid and the U.S. Department of Education for current interest rates, origination fees, borrowing limits, and repayment terms.

Application: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to eligible students who are enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility is not based on financial need.

Interest accrues from the date the loan is disbursed. Interest rates are fixed for the life of each loan but are established annually by federal law. While enrolled in school and during authorized periods of deferment, borrowers may choose to pay accrued interest or allow it to capitalize, which increases the total amount to be repaid.

Loan funds are disbursed directly to Keuka College, typically in at least two installments. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid and the U.S. Department of Education for current interest rates, origination fees, borrowing limits, and repayment terms.

Application: Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to creditworthy parents of dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility is not based on financial need. Parents may borrow up to the student's cost of attendance, less any other financial assistance received.

Interest rates are fixed for the life of each loan but are established annually by federal law. Repayment generally begins once the loan is fully disbursed; however, eligible borrowers may request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student ceases half-time enrollment.

Loan funds are disbursed directly to Keuka College, typically in at least two installments. Federal origination fees are deducted proportionately from each disbursement. Students and parents should consult the Office of Financial Aid and the U.S. Department of Education for current interest rates, origination fees, borrower eligibility requirements, and repayment options.

Amount: As determined by the U.S. Department of Education

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available only to graduate and professional students who meet federal eligibility requirements and remain eligible under current federal regulations.

As federal loan programs and eligibility requirements are subject to change, students should consult the Office of Financial Aid and the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid for current eligibility, borrowing limits, interest rates, and repayment terms.

Grad PLUS loans | Federal Student Aid

Amount: As determined by the U.S. Department of Education

Veterans Administration Educational Benefits

This federal education benefit is available to eligible veterans and to eligible dependents of deceased veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and any documentation required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To receive benefits, students must submit an application and a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of Financial Aid. Benefits are disbursed monthly in accordance with VA regulations and the student's enrollment status.

Application Information: Contact a regional VA office or call 1-800-827-1000 for information on eligibility and application procedures.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits to eligible veterans, service members, and, in some cases, eligible dependents. Benefits may include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual stipend for books and supplies. The amount of benefits available is determined by the student's eligibility tier, which is based on qualifying military service and other factors established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tuition and fee payments are made in accordance with current VA regulations. Housing and book stipends, when applicable, are paid directly to eligible students. Students should consult the VA for current eligibility requirements, benefit levels, and application procedures.

Application Information: Visit the https://www.va.gov/education/ for detailed information about eligibility, benefits, and the application process

Veterans Benefits and Pending VA Payments

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(e), Keuka College will not prevent a student from enrolling; assess a late fee; require the student to secure alternative or additional funding; or deny access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities because of a delay in payment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program (Chapter 31), provided the student has submitted the required documentation to establish eligibility.

Prior to the beginning of the term, students must submit a copy of their VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or other appropriate documentation of eligibility, along with the Veteran Benefits Information Form, to the Office of Records and Registration.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about VA education benefits is available from the VA at https://www.va.gov/education/.

New York State Programs

The following is a list of New York State financial aid programs for which eligible New York State residents enrolled at Keuka College may qualify. Unless otherwise indicated, students apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. After all eligibility requirements have been met, awards are generally credited to the student's account in equal installments by semester or term.

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP provides grant assistance to eligible New York State residents enrolled full- and part-time at approved colleges in New York State. Award amounts are determined by New York State based on taxable income and other eligibility factors established by the program.


Additional Scholarship Opportunities

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) offers additional scholarships for students who meet specific eligibility requirements. Program details, deadlines, and award amounts are subject to change; visit hesc.ny.gov for the most current information.

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

This program is for students who have successfully completed their term of service in accordance with their member contract in one of the following approved AmeriCorps programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA or AmeriCorps NCCC. For more information, contact the New York State Commission on National and Community Services, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144 or www.americorps.gov.

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation - ACCESS-VR

This program assists individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining employment through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development. Students must file a FAFSA and TAP application in additional to applying through ACCESS-VR to be considered for funding. More information about this program is available at www.acces.nysed.gov/vr.

Keuka College Award Programs

Students apply for Keuka College financial assistance by submitting a transcript, completing a FAFSA (or renewal FAFSA), and a NYS TAP Application (for New York state residents). After all eligibility requirements have been met, funds are credited (one payment per semester/per term, unless otherwise indicated) to the student’s account. Additional application information and criteria specific to each program are listed below.

Keuka College grants/scholarships are only available for your first four years of undergraduate study (maximum of 8 semesters). All Keuka College scholarships are for traditional undergraduate admissions and based on full-time status. Keuka College grants/scholarships are awarded based on the eligibility criteria met at the time of admission and do not change from year to year. Eligibility criteria is based on the time of admission and are not recalculated after matriculation.

Institutional Scholarships

Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the student maintains full-time enrollment and makes satisfactory academic progress.

These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and are not dependent on financial need. Scholarship programs vary based on academic performance and include:

  • Board of Trustees Scholarship - Up to $28,000/year
  • President’s Scholarship - Up to $26,000/year
  • Dean’s Scholarship – Up to $25,000/year
  • Green & Gold Scholars Award – Up to $23,000/year
  • Aspire Award – Up to $16,000/year

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

An academic scholarship for traditional undergraduate transfer students. This scholarship is renewable if the student remains in good academic standing and maintains full- time status. Applicant must be a current member of Phi Theta Kappa and provide proof of membership at the time of application to be eligible.

International Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to international students accepted to the College who are not eligible to apply for federal or state aid. This scholarship is awarded based on a tiered rating system for an academic year.

Keuka College Urban League of Rochester Scholarship

Five scholarships will be made available to students who are enrolled in the Early Recognition program. Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Student must maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain in full-time status to continue to receive the full amount of the scholarship each year.

Institutional Grants

Grants are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the student maintains full-time enrollment and makes satisfactory academic progress. These grants are awarded based on financial need or other criteria. Programs include:

  • Keuka College Grant – Up to $10,000/year
  • Housing Grant – Up to $5,000/year
  • Visit Award – Up to $500/year

Keuka College Family Award Legacy

Awarded to students whose immediate family member is a Keuka College alumnus/alumna or is currently enrolled at the College. This program recognizes the longstanding connection of Keuka College families to the institution and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

To maintain eligibility, recipients must:

  • Remain enrolled as full-time students, and
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

The Legacy Award provides additional support to students who continue a family tradition of attending Keuka College.

Tuition Benefits – Tuition Exchange/Tuition Remission

These benefits are offered to eligible employees and their families. Please contact Human Resources and/or Financial Aid to determine if you are eligible. Information can also be obtained from the Employee Handbook.

Named/Endowed Scholarships and Prizes

Keuka College offers a number of named/endowed awards established through the generosity of alumni, faculty, and friends of the College. These are awarded to eligible students based on criteria such as academic achievement, area of study, or financial need. These scholarships do not need to be repaid.