October 13th, 2026 - Lucinda Williams; Sam Monteleone

In other news, nearly 2.5 million New York residents have federal student loan debt with an average balance of $40,666, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Across the country, Americans owe more than $1.8 trillion in student loan debt, according to the research group.

That's the second largest consumer debt behind mortgages.

Now with applications open for state and federal aid for the 2027-28 academic year, experts have a few tips on how to minimize student loan debt, starting with applying for funding early, even if you don't think you'll qualify.

Brianne Letta reporting in Newsday that there are several steps to take as you navigate the complex and sometimes stressful process of maximizing financial aid and scholarship.

New York students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA, and apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, known as TAP.

Submitting the FAFSA puts students into consideration for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

Applying for TAP is a prerequisite for other state aid programs.

The FAFSA uses federal tax information to assess need for student aid and looks at data two years before the academic year.

Also starting in 10th grade, families and students should put together a list of potential schools with cost and financial aid in mind.

Scott Aaron's assistant deputy superintendent at the State Department of Financial Services recommended applying to multiple schools.

So students have more than one financial package to review.

That provides room to negotiate and remember to negotiate for all four years.

Quote, tell every single one of them that you are my child's first choice.

But we're looking at other is not the best offer.

You can even negotiate with a SUNY end quote.

Parents can help with the negotiated finances.

Ahrens also recommends students check with their guidance office for local scholarship programs.

There's many community organizations.

I'm thinking of the One Road Forward Scholarship, for example.

that want to help high school students attend college or rotaries, et cetera, other local or community organizations.

And some parents may work for companies or unions that offer scholarships as well.

Once students arrive on campus, it's important they remember They're broke, even if they have access to a lot of borrowed cash.

A lot of college graduates have debt from spending money on non-educational expenses, like going out to eat or buying coffee or even spring break.

I always had at least two jobs when I was in college.

In other news, nearly 2.5 million New York residents have federal student loan debt with an average balance of $40,666, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Across the country, Americans owe more than $1.8 trillion in student loan debt, according to the research group.

That's the second largest consumer debt behind mortgages.

Now with applications open for state and federal aid for the 2027-28 academic year, experts have a few tips on how to minimize student loan debt, starting with applying for funding early, even if you don't think you'll qualify.

Brianne Letta reporting in Newsday that there are several steps to take as you navigate the complex and sometimes stressful process of maximizing financial aid and scholarship.

New York students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA, and apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, known as TAP.

Submitting the FAFSA puts students into consideration for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

Applying for TAP is a prerequisite for other state aid programs.

The FAFSA uses federal tax information to assess need for student aid and looks at data two years before the academic year.

Also starting in 10th grade, families and students should put together a list of potential schools with cost and financial aid in mind.

Scott Aaron's assistant deputy superintendent at the State Department of Financial Services recommended applying to multiple schools.

So students have more than one financial package to review.

That provides room to negotiate and remember to negotiate for all four years.

Quote, tell every single one of them that you are my child's first choice.

But we're looking at other is not the best offer.

You can even negotiate with a SUNY end quote.

Parents can help with the negotiated finances.

Ahrens also recommends students check with their guidance office for local scholarship programs.

There's many community organizations.

I'm thinking of the One Road Forward Scholarship, for example.

that want to help high school students attend college or rotaries, et cetera, other local or community organizations.

And some parents may work for companies or unions that offer scholarships as well.

Once students arrive on campus, it's important they remember They're broke, even if they have access to a lot of borrowed cash.

A lot of college graduates have debt from spending money on non-educational expenses, like going out to eat or buying coffee or even spring break.

I always had at least two jobs when I was in college.