ACE — Advancing Completion through Engagement

A dedicated ACE advisor and ACE peer mentor who will assist you with navigating college

• Cost of attendance award
• Textbook assistance (up to $150/semester)
• A monthly stipend that you can use toward transportation, groceries, etc. ($200/semester)
• Career counseling and graduate school preparation
• Personal, academic, and financial counseling

ACE serves first-time, first-year students* who meet the following criteria:

• Eligible for in-state tuition
• Enrolled full-time
• All majors are eligible
• Transfer students with an associate degree
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.
  
  • Note: Students from mixed status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/altpath. Students may also reach out to ACE staff to learn more about their options to apply for NYS aid.
• Receive at least $1 of federal Pell grant aid or NYS grant aid (TAP or Excelsior)

*Students admitted through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) are not eligible for ACE. The program offers similar financial and program support to their students.

1. Accept your SUNY Plattsburgh offer of admission and secure your spot. After you are accepted, you have until the deadline date indicated in your acceptance letter to pay your $250 deposit.
   View Deposit Payment Instructions
2. Apply for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application.
3. Complete all enrollment steps as listed on the New Student Checklist.
4. Attend an ACE Info Session to learn about ACE and complete a program commitment agreement. 

1. Meet with your ACE Advisor at least two times per month.
2. Participate in all academic support activities, such as workshops, tutoring, academic coaching, and peer mentoring appointments as prescribed by your ACE Advisor.
3. Maintain full-time status, taking at least 15 credit hours during the semester.
4. Respond to all communications from ACE staff.
5. Complete all career development activities as prescribed by your ACE Advisor.
6. Enroll in courses during the winter or summer terms if 30 credits are not earned by the end of the academic year
7. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application at www.hesc.ny.gov each year and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, SEOG, TAP).
8. Commit to graduating within four years by following a four-year academic advisement plan approved by your ACE academic advisor.