Important Financial Aid Update 
for Less-than-full-time Students

Under new federal regulations effective July 1, 2026, students enrolled less than full time during the 2026-2027 Academic Year are subject to a Schedule of Reduction (SOR).

Less-than-full-time enrollment is defined as:

  • Undergraduate students: Fewer than 12 credit hours
  • Graduate students: Fewer than 9 credit hours

As a result, your annual Federal Direct Loan eligibility may be reduced. Federal Direct Loan limits are prorated and adjusted in direct proportion to the number of credit hours you are enrolled in compared to a full-time course load.

Our office is currently reviewing and processing these adjustments. During this time, you may experience a slight delay in the disbursement of your Federal Direct Loan funds.

We appreciate your patience as we implement these new federal requirements. If you have questions about how your enrollment status may affect your financial aid eligibility, please contact Financial Aid for assistance.


 

First, take these steps to apply for financial aid:

 

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For additional guidance, including checklists and videos, please visit the College Planning Resources webpage.


 

Next, take these steps to ensure you'll receive financial aid:

 

Understand the Aid Programs

Understand federal financial aid programs: Determine whether you qualify for a Pell Grant, federal work-study, federal loans and/or other federal aid programs. 

Understand New York State financial aid programs: Determine whether you qualify for the TAP, the Excelsior Scholarship, a DREAM Act award, and/or other state aid programs. Note: For New York State residents only. 

Note: For information on financial aid for veterans and military-connected students, including the GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Student Services website.

 

Secure the Aid You're Awarded

Complete the FAFSA Verification process: If you are selected for FAFSA Verification, you must submit new or corrected documentation to receive financial aid. 

Accept your awards: Accept, reduce or decline the financial aid you’ve been offered to ensure the aid appears on your student account. 

Secure your federal loans: Understand your options. Complete your entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) to ensure you receive your Direct Loan funds.

Finance your study abroad: Estimate your program costs. Determine which costs will be covered by financial aid.

 

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Apply for Additional Aid

Apply for additional scholarships: Apply for the University at Albany Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships, as well as outside scholarships.

Apply for additional loans: Consider applying for a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan or Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Learn about private student loans. 

Apply for summer aid: Understand the prerequisites and other important considerations before applying.  

Request a cost of attendance increase: Increasing your estimated cost of attendance may allow you to access more financial aid, which you can use to pay for superior on-campus housing, a computer purchase, childcare and other educational expenses. 

Appeal for Special Circumstances or a Dependency Override: Request a review of your financial aid eligibility following an extenuating situation not reflected in your FAFSA. Request a review of your dependency status due to lack of parental support. 

 

Common Questions

Review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage for answers to common inquiries.

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