Financial AidFirst-time Applicants

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Hobart and William Smith is committed to a policy of admitting students on the basis of overall potential and to working with our students and families to ensure they are able to reach their educational goals.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the financial aid process, please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid:

Phone: (315) 781-3315
Fax: (315) 781-4048
Email: finaid@hws.edu

SCHOOL CODES
Federal code (FAFSA): 002731
New York State TAP code: 0295

HWS requires all U.S. citizens and permanent resident students who wish to apply for financial aid to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The HWS school code is 002731.

To complete the FAFSA, the student and contributor (Parent(s)) must have an FSA ID. This ID serves as your electronic signature on the application. We recommend creating your FSA ID before starting your FAFSA to ensure a smoother process.

International Students should follow the applications instructions for the CSS Profile: International Applicants – CSS Profile | College Board.

The FAFSA should be submitted at the time of your application for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA?

The form opened on September 24, 2025.

What tax information is required?

You must provide your (and your contributors', if applicable) 2024 tax and income information. This information can be directly transferred from the IRS using the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX).

Is there an income cut-off to apply?

No, there is no income limit to apply for the FAFSA. The form is used to determine eligibility for various types of aid, including federal loans and some institutional aid, regardless of income level.

Who is considered a "contributor" and do they need an FSA ID?
A contributor is anyone required to provide financial information on the FAFSA form (e.g., a parent for a dependent student, or a spouse). Each contributor needs their own separate StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) to access and sign their portion of the form.
Which parent's information should I use if my parents are divorced or separated?
You should report the information for the parent who provided more financial support over the past 12 months. If that parent is remarried, their spouse's information must also be included. If you are unsure which parent should provide information on the FAFSA form, you can use this tool on the Federal Student Aid website for guidance.
What if my or my parents' marital status has changed since filing 2024 taxes?
The FAFSA asks for your marital status "as of today" (the day you fill it out). Adjustments to income may be needed to reflect the current marital situation, such as adding a new spouse's income or subtracting an ex-spouse's income.
What documents do I need to fill out the form?

You may need the following:

  • Your Social Security number (and your parents' if you are a dependent student).
  • Records of child support received.
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts.
  • The net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (excluding the primary home you live in).
FAFSA Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  1. Apply Early
    • Many States and colleges use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for non-federal student aid funds that may have early deadlines or limited funding. The sooner you complete the FAFSA, the more aid you could be eligible to receive.
  2. What You Need to Complete the FAFSA
    • Here is a helpful FAFSA Checklist, provide by NASFAA, to help you prepare and gather everything you will need before you begin your application.
  3. Avoid Common Errors
    • Mistakes can delay your application and may limit the amount of aid you are eligible to receive. To avoid errors, carefully read all the questions on the FAFSA. Here are a few of the most common FAFSA mistakes to watch for.
 

NEW YORK STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

Undergraduate students who are residents of New York state with a net taxable income of $125,000 or less may qualify for a TAP grant ranging from $1,000 to $5,665. To learn more about who qualifies, visit the TAP Eligibility Requirements page.

To apply for the TAP grant, students must complete both the FAFSA and TAP application. Award amounts are based on the student’s level of study, the family’s taxable income and available state funding. The State of New York determines eligibility and notifies both the student and HWS of the official grant amount. 

Our undergraduate TAP school code is 0295. Eligible students may receive up to 8 full-time semesters (four years) of TAP funding.

Reviewing your TAP application Status

Once you complete the TAP application, you can review the status at any time through the My HESC Account Access and selecting “Review Your NYS Financial Aid Information”.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Early December