2026-2027 FAFSA Applications Open; Military Tuition Rate Offered Beginning Spring ’26
It’s FAFSA time again, and incoming and returning students can now complete their 2026-2027 financial aid applications, according to SUNY Plattsburgh’s director of Student Financial Services.
“We are on schedule to start sending award letters this week or next,” said Todd Moravec,
SFS director. Targeted reminder emails will be sent to students who filed a 2025-2026
FAFSA but have not submitted one for the next academic year the first week of December,
Moravec said.
According to the U.S. Federal Student Aid Office, any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state and school financial aid programs should fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. This holds true for grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans.
The National College Attainment Network reported that high school seniors left some $3.6 billion in Pell Grants unclaimed by not completing the FAFSA in 2022; New York students left $200 million in financial aid on the table. Students must apply for aid every year.
In her 2025 budget, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul put in place a plan to require school districts to ensure every high school student to certify that each high school senior has either completed the FAFSA or the New York State Dream Act application. Students who choose not to fill out an application must sign a waiver form indicating that they are aware of the available financial aid but choose not to pursue it.
New York Adopts Universal FAFSA Policy
New York recently became the 13th state to adopt a universal FAFSA policy, which aims at increasing FAFSA completion rates among high school graduates.
All students will still be able to graduate regardless of whether they complete the FAFSA. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Student Financial Services office is working in partnership with K-12 schools to provide support and expertise about FAFSA completion. The requirement to either fill out the FAFSA or to sign a waiver does not affect a student’s ability to graduate.
Moravec said that students and their families should be filling out the FAFSA as soon as they can.
“The earlier students and families understand the costs for the 2026-2027 academic year, the earlier they can make any (financial) plans,” Moravec said. Applying early ensures better access to grants, scholarships and campus-based aid.
SUNY Plattsburgh offers one-on-one help, virtual workshops and on-campus filing events. Financial aid and admissions staff are available to help returning and prospective students with any questions they may have.
Military Tuition Assistance Rate
SUNY Plattsburgh is also participating in a new initiative to support veterans and military-affiliated individuals to help clear a pathway for them to student here.
According to Chancellor John King, SUNY campuses will offer a tuition rate “no greater
than the current federal Military Tuition Assistance rate, which is presently set
at $250 per credit hour, for eligible active-duty military members, members of the
National Guard, and members of the Reserves who are enrolled in undergraduate programs.”
This initiative applies to both in-person study and online learning.
“Many of our service members face unique challenges when pursuing a degree,” King said. “They often manage unpredictable schedules, relocations and family responsibilities while seeking a path to higher education. By aligning SUNY’s tuition structure with the federal Military Tuition Assistance policy, we are removing a major financial barrier and expanding access to high-quality, flexible academic opportunities.”
“Our service members give so much of themselves to protect and strengthen our nation.
At SUNY Plattsburgh, we believe it is our responsibility to make their path to higher
education clear, affordable and accessible,” said SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander
Enyedi. “The Military Tuition Assistance rate embodies the values of service and opportunity
that define both SUNY and our campus community.”
‘Most Military-Inclusive’
King’s State of the University address included a commitment to becoming “the most military-inclusive public higher education system in the nation.”
While the rate differential has been made voluntary for spring 2026 and fully incorporated SUNY-wide in the fall, SUNY Plattsburgh has opted to begin offering the military tuition rate during the spring semester. According to Student Financial Services Director Todd Moravec, in-state undergraduate students pay $295 per credit hour. He said annually, SUNY Plattsburgh enrolls fewer than 10 military students.
“We will automatically award a scholarship for those who are eligible, effective for the spring 2026 semester,” Moravec said. “If a student believes they are eligible and does not have a scholarship on their spring 2026 invoice once it becomes available, they should contact SFS.”
For information on military tuition rates as well as for any help students and their families require filling out their FAFSA or to schedule a virtual financial aid appointment, visit https://www.plattsburgh.edu/cost-aid/index.html, call 518-564-2072 or email [email protected].
— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs
