- Tuition and Fees
- Instruments
- Books
- Room
- Board
- Other Living Expenses
- Application Process
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Employment

- Tuition and Fees
- Instruments
- Books
- Room and Board
- Other Living Expenses
- Application Process
- Scholarships
- Additional Loans from U.S. Sources
- Employment
- Student Visas

1. SUNY-Optometry Application for Financial Aid
2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. A signed copy of student's federal tax forms are required. A signed copy of parent's federal tax forms may be required, or certification of non-filing status when applicable.
4. Proof of non-taxable income as indicated on the application may be required.
5. Official and signed financial aid transcripts from all previous colleges attended.
6. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to request additional information and documentation as appropriate.

All Graduate and Professional students are considered independent. Parental information is required, however, to be considered for tuition waiver programs, HPSL loans and LDS loans.

The application deadline for financial aid is April 15, for the following academic year.

Grants
Grants are aid given to students generally on the basis of financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) - Awards range from $100 - $550 to residents of New York State determined through New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Degree Students Program - The State University of New York awards between $500 and $5,000 based on funding and eligibility determined from the SUNY State College of Optometry Financial Aid Form and a Needs Analysis Form.

Graduate Opportunity Waiver - Partial tuition waivers are granted by the State University of New York to students who have participated in an undergraduate opportunity program such as EOP, HEOP, or SEEK. Determination is based on the Needs Analysis Form and eligibility requirements.

Cultural Diversity Scholarship - To be eligible a student must submit an essay and application each demonstrating how they can contribute to the Diversity of the student body.

Scholarships
Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of meritorious academic performance, need, or a combination of both. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students - SDS- Awards range from $3,000 to $6,000 on average. Students must be from an economically disadvantaged background. (Parental Information is used to determine eligibility)

Dr. Robert E. Bannon Memorial Scholarship - One $2,000 scholarship given to a 4th year student who is a NYS Resident and has financial need in good academic standing.

Sigbert Borg Memorial Scholarship - $500 each is given to a second and third year student with a minimum 3.25 GPA and financial need.

Dr. Abram Hubal Scholarship - $500 each is awarded to five fourth-year students with a 3.25 GPA and financial need.

Dr. James F. Kelly Memorial Scholarship - $500 is given to a graduate student with the greatest financial need and good academic standing.

Dr. Nathan and Laura Millman Scholarship - One to two scholarship given annually to a 2nd, 3rd or 4th year student based on outstanding academic performance.

NYSOA Scholarship - One $2,000 scholarship given to a student with high financial need and good academic standing.

OCNY Scholarships- Depending on funding, twelve OCNY scholarships are given to students with academic merit and financial need.

Petry Lomb Scholarship / Research Grant - The foundation awards scholarship money to second, third and fourth year students demonstrating financial need, good academic standing and a sincere desire to contribute to the optometric profession.  One to two scholarships are awarded annually in varying amounts (minimum $1,500 per recipient).  Preference is given to New York State residents.

Regents Professional Scholarship - Two to four scholarships are awarded annually in amounts varying from $1,000 - $5,000. New York State Education Department determines amount of award based on need. The student must be a legal resident of New York State, agree to practice in New York State and be a member of an under represented minority. Awards will be offered in the following order of priority: 1) economically disadvantaged and a minority group member historically under represented in optometry; 2) minority group member under represented in the profession; 3) enrolled in or completed undergraduate work through HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery.

Michael I. Schaffer Scholarship - $500 is given to a second-year student with the highest GPA and greatest financial need.

Adolph Schnurmacher Scholarship - $500 is given to a third-year student with the highest GPA and greatest financial need.

Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation and Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation Merit Scholarships - Ten scholarships of $1,500 each are awarded to the top ten candidates in each class.

The Scott Tasker Folsom Scholarship Fund - Dr. and Mrs. William Folsom have executed a trust to establish a permanent scholarship(s) in behalf of their son, to be known as the Scott Tasker Folsom Scholarship(s). The trust is a permanent endowment, the income from which will fund the scholarship(s) for professional students in optometry.

The Dr. Jerome Weiss Scholarship Fund - Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weiss, distinguished friends of the College, from Syracuse, New York, have established an endowment, the income from which will support one or more scholarships for professional students in optometry.

K.B. Weissman Scholarship - $500 is given to a student in the graduate or combined program with the greatest need and merit.

Esther J. Werner Memorial Scholarship - $500 is given to a student with high financial need and in good academic standing.

1. I must repay my loan(s) with all accrued interest and deducted fees even if I do not complete the program of study, am unable to obtain employment or am dissatisfied with the program of study at my school.
2. Unless my loans are consolidated, I have a maximum of 10 years to repay my Title IV, Part B loans.
3. I may prepay all or part of this loan without penalty.
4. The minimum monthly payment for this loan(s) is $50.00, but may be more depending on the outstanding balance. The repayment of subsidized and unsubsidized will begin following a six or nine-month grace period.
5. I must notify my lender within ten business days, if I:
   • Change my name
   • Change my address
   • Change my telephone number
   • Change my separation date
   • Withdraw from school
   • Transfer to another school
   • Enroll for less than half time
6. I will be notified in writing, if my loan is transferred to a new holder and I must direct all future correspondence and payment to that new holder.
7. If I qualify, I may request a loan deferment from my lender.
8. If I am unable to make payments on my loan, and do not qualify for a deferment I may request forbearance from my lender.
9. If I fail to repay my student loan, I will be considered in default. As a result:
   • It may be reported to a National Credit Bureau and have a negative effect on my credit rating.
   • The entire loan amount, including accrued interest, may become immediately due and payable.
   • My federal and state income tax refunds may be withheld.
   • My wages may be garnished.
   • I may be ineligible to receive any additional federal or state financial aid funds

Federal Subsidized Robert T. Stafford Student Loan Program (formerly Guaranteed Student Loan) - Up to $8,500 per year at a fixed rate of 6.80%.

Federal Perkins Loan Program - Qualified students may be awarded between $250 to $2,500 each year at 5% interest.

Health Professions Student Loans - Qualified students may be awarded $250 to $4,000 at 5% interest. (Parental information is used to determine eligibility).

Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) - Qualified students may be awarded between $250 - $3,000 each year at 5% interest. (Parental information is used to determine eligibility.)

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (UFSL) - Up to $40,500 per year (minus the amount the student qualified for in the subsidized Stafford Loan) is available. Intent rate is 6.80 fixed.

Emergency Loans - $500-$1,000 emergency loans are available to students who experience d elays in processing financial aid. These loans are limited to availability and can only be given to students who are awaiting financial aid.