Skip to main content
Indigenous Education

Indigenous Education

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is New York State Indian Aid?

    New York State Indian Aid is financial assistance for eligible students for study in approved, post-secondary programs at New York State institutions of higher education.  It is not available for study that is not at college level, nor for study at institutions located outside New York State.

  • Who is eligible?

    New York State residents or residents of tribal nations located within New York State boundaries who are on an official tribal roll of a New York State tribe, or the child of such an enrolled member.  New York State tribes include members of the Haudenosaunee tribes (St. Regis Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca Nation, Tonawanda Band of Seneca, and Tuscarora), the Shinnecock tribe, and the Unkechaug tribe.

  • Can the aid be used for general support such as room, board, or transportation costs?

    Yes.

  • Is New York State Indian Aid duplicative of Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Aid?

    No.  Students may receive both awards.  Receiving TAP does not affect a student's eligibility to receive Indian Aid.

  • What does a student need to do to get aid?

    Initially, a student needs to submit the following items:

    1. A completed application form;
    2. Proof of high school graduation;
    3. Proof of tribal enrollment;
    4. A completed FERPA form indicating whether or not the student wishes to share their NYSIA information with parent(s), guardian(s), or other authorized proxies;
    5. A brief essay outlining the student's educational and career goals; and
    6. Proof of enrollment or future enrollment, such as an acceptance letter, from the college.

    After initial approval, a student must notify the Office of Indigenous Education of their interest in aid prior to each subsequent semester they wish to receive aid. This may be done by completing a Request for New York State Indian Aid form, which is available here and is mailed to aid recipients each semester they receive aid. In addition, they must submit a satisfactory grade report (2.00 or higher GPA) from the preceding term. These materials should be sent by the appropriate deadlines (July 16th for the fall semester, November 30th for the winter semester, January 4th for the spring semester, and May 20th for the summer term).

  • When should students make requests for aid?

Students should notify the Office of Indigenous Education for each semester they wish to receive aid prior to the semester for which aid is desired.  For example, if a student wants aid for the Spring semester, they should notify the office during the Fall semester, and no later than January 4th.  Students should submit their Request for New York State Indian Aid form before the deadlines in order to receive aid. They should not wait for their grades to request aid, but are required to submit them as soon as they are available to them.

  • What does the Office of Indigenous Education do with the student's application?

The office reviews applications and requests, works with students to complete these items, and approves or disapproves the student for funding.  After initial approval, the office sends an official notification letter to the student via email, stating the amount and other details of the award, as well as the overall requirements for receiving aid each semester. Simultaneously, a voucher is generated and sent to the college to verify and return.  For each semester thereafter, a voucher for the college and a confirmation letter for the students are generated and sent simultaneously.  

  • What does the college do?

The Bursar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, or Business Office at the college verifies the student information (enrollment, number of credits, date of birth, and school-assigned ID number if the student provides it) on the voucher, makes any necessary changes to these items, then signs and returns it to the Office of Indigenous Education. Office staff again review the voucher, sign it, and send it to the State Education Department's finance office for forwarding to the Office of the State Comptroller, where a check is issued and sent directly to the college.  The college is to apply the amount toward any current charges the student has with the college.  If there is a balance in the student's account after the check is processed, the college must issue a refund check to the student.

  • What happens if I don't receive my confirmation letter in time for registration?

The student, or college, may call the Office of Indigenous Education to verify the upcoming award amount provided your previous semester's grade point average, when submitted, is above 2.00 and a completed Request for New York State Indian Aid form was filed in a timely fashion.

  • How long does the process take?

From the time the Office of Indigenous Education receives the signed voucher back from the school, it takes about six weeks for the school to receive the check or ACH payment. However, most schools will make a note or deferment on the student's account as soon as they verify the student's voucher and return it to the Office of Indigenous Education; this note or deferment allows the school to notify the student that the aid is expected to be received. 

  • How can I check to see if the process is working?

You may call or email the Office of Indigenous Education at any time to check the status of your request.  The office prefers to correspond directly with the student, as communication problems can arise otherwise.  Generally, you should check the status of the award if you have not received any correspondence from our office six weeks after your items are submitted.  However, if you believe there is a problem or don't remember submitting a required item, do not wait until after the deadline to check on the situation.  Keep copies of all correspondence submitted to the office.  This will help in correcting any problems that occur.

  • What is academic probation, and how does it affect a student's funding?

Academic probation, for the purposes of New York State Indian Aid, is defined as a grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 for any one semester or term.  Aid is denied to students who are on probation.  A student may be reinstated to the program and receive subsequent funding if they submit a grade report showing satisfactory progress (2.00 GPA or higher) in their regular college coursework.

  • What if a student transfers to another institution?

If a student has been receiving aid and transfers to another institution in New York State, they should submit the Request for New York State Indian Aid form with a copy of the acceptance letter from the new institution.