Investing in Excellence

Calculate your 2025-26 estimated costs using our Net Price Calculator (NPC). 

Use our Cost Comparison Worksheet to calculate your cost and compare offers from other schools.

Types of Aid

Federal Student Loans

This chart illustrates monthly loan payment examples based on amount borrowed and applicable interest.

What If My Aid Isn't Enough?

Payment Plan

The payment plan allows a student/family to pay, interest free, with up to four equal installments. There is a $40 enrollment fee per semester.

Example:  

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

This chart illustrates monthly loan payment examples based on amount borrowed and applicable interest.

Private Student Loans

Employment

 Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I know if I received a scholarship?

  All students are considered for scholarships during the admissions process.  If selected, Binghamton University will send a scholarship award letter via e-mail. There is no separate application for scholarships for newly admitted students.

  Criteria include many factors such as donor preference, major, program participation and very often financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

  Most scholarships at Binghamton are awarded in the spring for the following aid year and do not require an additional application. If awarded a scholarship, you'll be notified in your financial aid award offer and/or letter during the admission and financial aid process.
  
  Scholarships awarded during either the admissions process or the financial aid process will be included in a financial aid package.
  
  A student's financial need is one of the eligibility requirements for most scholarships at Binghamton.  Need is determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

• If I didn't receive a scholarship, can I appeal?

  There is no appeal process since all students are considered for scholarships.

  Criteria include many factors such as donor preference, major, program participation and very often financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

  • Most scholarships at Binghamton are awarded in the spring for the following aid year and do not require an additional application. If awarded a scholarship, you'll be notified in your financial aid award offer and/or letter during the admission and financial aid process.
  • Scholarships awarded during either the admissions process or the financial aid process will be included in a financial aid package.
  • A student's financial need is one of the eligibility requirements for most scholarships at Binghamton.  Need is determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than January 1. 
• Where can I find scholarships that may require an application?

  We encourage students to explore outside sources for scholarships.  Visit a list of trusted scholarship resources here.

• How can I determine how much my net cost will be?

  Please watch this video and feel free to use the chart above to walk you through this calculation.

• What are my options to help pay my costs?

  The following options are available to help pay your college expenses:

  • Pay your balance in full. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or major credit card. To make a payment with a credit card, login my.binghamton.edu, and click the Quikpay icon to access the billing system. Additional billing information is available on the Student Accounts website.
  • You may sign up for the Payment Plan.
  • Apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. 
  • Apply for a Private Student Loan
• What is Federal Work Study, and am I eligible?

  Please refer to the chart above for more details.

  Federal Work Study jobs will be posted on the HireBING site beginning in August.  Students who obtain a Federal Work Study position are paid directly. The award is not applied as a credit on a student's semester bill.  

• Can I still have a job on-campus even if I do not have a Federal Work Study award?

  Yes, both Federal Work Study and non-Federal Work Study jobs will be posted on the HireBING site.

• What is the difference between a Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan?

  Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

  • Subsidized Loans are need-based loans. The student must be seeking a degree and enrolled in six (6) or more credits each semester to be eligible.
  • Please refer to the chart above for more details.

  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

  • Unsubsidized loans are non-need-based loans, and are available regardless of financial need. The student must be seeking a degree and enrolled in six (6) or more credits to be eligible.
  • Please refer to the chart above for more details.
• Can I print a copy of my financial aid offer? 

  Yes! Simply follow the instructions below to access a PDF of your Financial Aid Plan:
  
  1.  Login to the Portal at http://my.binghamton.edu.
  2.  Click on the BU BRAIN Self Service icon at the top of the page.
  3.  Click on "Financial Aid" tab.
  4.  Click "Award Offer"
  5.  Click "View your SUNY Financial Aid Plan" 

• What can I do if I or my family have extenuating circumstances (changes in income, marital status, etc.)?

  Please review our Special Circumstances Appeal webpage here.  We encourage you to contact our office to discuss your circumstances to determine your eligibility.

  Circumstances may include:

  • Changes in income
  • Changes in parent marital status
  • Death of a parent
  • Excess medical expenses
  • Changes in a student's dependency
• What funding options are available to undocumented, DACA, or international students?

  Students who are undocumented, DACA, or international are not eligible to complete the FAFSA. Therefore, these students are not
  eligible for federal loans, Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Federal Work Study, or Parent PLUS loans. 

  Undocumented or DACA students may be eligible for NYS aid under the NYS Dream Act, including the TAP Grant/SUNY Tuition Credit, or
  NYS Excelsior Scholarship. For more information, visit the HESC Dream Act website.  Students must be NYS residents and meet eligibility criteria.

  The following options may also be available:
  1. External scholarships
  2. Private student loans

• NYS Residents: What is the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?

  Please refer to the chart above for more details.  You must complete a separate application to be considered for NYS TAP

• NYS Residents: What is the Excelsior Scholarship?

  The Excelsior Scholarship is a tuition-specific award, meaning it only pays tuition charges.  It is also a last-dollar award; the scholarship amount will be reduced by other grants/scholarship assistance received.  
  
  You must complete a separate application to be considered for the Excelsior Scholarship.  Applications will be available in the Spring for the Fall semester via the HESC website here.

• NYS Residents: How is my Excelsior Scholarship calculated?

  If you receive awards such as a Pell grant, SEOG, TAP grant, and/or other scholarships, etc., your Excelsior Scholarship will be reduced by those amounts or you may not be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship.

  Example 1:
  Pell grant = $3,000
  + TAP grant and SUNY Tuition Credit = $2,500
  Total grants/scholarships = $5,500

  Tuition = $7,070 
  - 5,500 grants/scholarships
  = $1,570 Excelsior Scholarship

  ---

  Example 2:
  Pell grant = $6,000
  + TAP grant and SUNY Tuition Credit = $6,000
  Totals grants/scholarships = $12,000

  Tuition = $7,070
  - $12,000 grants/scholarships
  Not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, since tuition is already covered by these other funds.

• NYS Residents: How do I know if I will receive the Excelsior Scholarship

  After you have completed the Excelsior Scholarship application, be sure to check the e-mail you submitted on the NYS TAP application.  HESC will send you the Excelsior Scholarship contract.  Follow the HESC instructions to ensure your eligibility.