Financial Aid Information Available at New York's Spring College Fairs

ALBANY, NY (03/09/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the state agency that helps people pay for college, joins spring college fairs throughout the state bringing information and counseling about federal and state financial aid, including program eligibility and details about applying for grants and scholarships to thousands of students and families across the state.

Stops along HESC's college fair tour include Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Troy, White Plains, Long Island, and New York City. A complete college fair schedule can be found on the HESC Web site.

HESC President, James C. Ross, urges all college-bound juniors and seniors to explore the array of education programs available at New York's preeminent colleges and universities. "HESC has the program information and resources to help you afford a college education," he said recently.

"New York is first in the nation when it comes to giving money to college students. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is the largest need-based student grant program in the United States,"

In addition to TAP, New York offers 18 federal and state scholarships, loan forgiveness, and special award programs to help New York students finance their education.

Details about Governor Paterson's initiative called the New York State Higher Education Loan Program, NYHELPs, will also be available at each college tour stop. Students, families and counselors are encouraged to stop by the HESC booth and learn about this critical new proposal before the New York State Legislature that will help families fill the gap between state and federal financial aid and college costs.

HESC.org is the state's student financial aid Web site offering the latest information about state and federal financial aid, financial literacy, plus academic and career planning for students, families and high school counselors.

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