Tuition & Financial Aid

Direct costs are costs billed directly by the college. Students are billed each semester that they are enrolled. Direct costs at OCC include:

• Tuition – Tuition rates are set by the SUNY Board of Trustees and vary based on your level (undergraduate vs. graduate) and your New York State Residency Status. Visit Tuition & Fees for current per-credit and full-time tuition rates. Visit Certificate of Residence to prove or appeal your residency status.
• Housing – You may wish to live in campus housing while attending OCC. Housing rates will vary by the type of room that you choose. Visit Residence Life to learn more.
• Meal Plans – A resident meal plan selection is required for students living on campus. Visit Residence Life and Dining Services to learn more.

Indirect costs represent costs you may incur while attending college that are not billed directly by the college. Indirect costs are included in the overall cost of attendance because it allows you to receive additional financial aid. However, this does not guarantee you will receive enough aid to cover all direct and indirect costs while attending OCC. Some common indirect costs include:

• Housing Allowance – If you live in your own off-campus apartment or home will incur housing costs while attending school. A housing allowance is included in your cost of attendance so that you may receive financial aid to help cover living expenses.
• Meal Allowance – Similar to housing, you will need to purchase food if you are not using the college’s meal plan.
• Books and Supplies – You will need to purchase textbooks and school supplies while attending school. At OCC, you can take advantage of the Box of Books program to help offset some of these costs.
• Transportation – Transportation costs are represented in your cost of attendance if you are not living on campus. 

A grant is considered gift aid and does not need to be repaid. Grants are usually given to students based on demonstrated financial need. To be eligible for Federal Grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. For State Grants, you must complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application each academic year.

• Federal Grants
• New York State Grants

A scholarship is also considered gift aid which does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are usually awarded to students based on some form of demonstrated merit, such as academic achievement or community service involvement. Scholarships typically require an additional application be submitted to the school or organization that offers it.

• NYS Excelsior Scholarship
• Other NY Scholarships
• OCC Foundation Scholarships

Work Study is part-time employment, usually on campus, where students earn a paycheck to help pay for college expenses. Work study is considered aid because the government is paying a portion of the student’s paycheck and the student must demonstrate need to qualify. Students must submit a FAFSA and indicate that they are interested in work study in order to qualify.

• Work Study

Loans are aid funds that are borrowed and must be repaid in the future, usually once a student leaves school. Federal student loans are considered aid in part because the interest rates are subsidized (interest does not accrue while in school) by the federal government and, except for PLUS loans, a credit check is not required. Private Loans come from traditional lending sourced, such as a bank or credit union, and are subject to terms set by the lender.

• Federal Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Parent PLUS loans
• Private Loans
• Fresh Start Program

The Educational Opportunity Program provides assistance to NYS residents who are academically and financially disadvantaged as defined by state guidelines.

The Office of Veterans & Military Services provides general information and assistance filling out Veteran's Benefits forms quickly and accurately. They will explain academic requirements, VA benefit amounts, and the timing of payments.