Author: Ann

As the semester comes to an end, we want to remind you of the important deadlines below to help you stay on track and avoid any registration delays for the upcoming term.

Review Your Tuition Balance:
Log in to CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Financial Account” to review your current tuition balance.
An unpaid balance results in a “Bursar Hold”, which will prevent you from registering for next semester—so it’s important to take action now.

Make Sure Your Financial Aid is Complete:
If you expect financial aid to cover your balance, be sure to:

1. Submit the 2025–2026 FAFSA (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
   studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
   • If your FAFSA was rejected, is incomplete, or contains errors, your FAFSA must be corrected and successfully processed by your last day of attendance in Spring 2026 to confirm eligibility for federal aid.
   • Need help? Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact
2. Submit the 2025–2026 TAP Application (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
   www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw
   If you are not eligible for FAFSA, you may apply for TAP via the NYS DREAM Act
3. Check and Complete All Financial Aid Tasks
   Log into CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Tasks” to check your “To Do” list. Be sure to complete any outstanding Financial Aid Tasks.
4. Complete TAP Requirements
   Log in to your 2025-2026 TAP application at: My HESC Account Access | HESC to confirm all requirements are submitted. Need to fix errors or upload documents? Watch HESC’s step-by-step video tutorial guide. Need more help? Call to speak with a HESC representative: Speak with HESC | HESC

Explore Additional Aid Options:

• Federal Student Loans:
  If you’re interested in borrowing student loans, submit your request before the Spring 2025 application deadline: May 15, 2026.
• Income Adjustment Appeal:
  Have you (or your family) experienced a recent loss of income or financial hardship? You may qualify for an Income Adjustment, which allows the Office of Financial Aid to review and potentially update your FAFSA based on your current financial situation. Click on Income Adjustment Appeal to learn more. Deadline: May 1, 2026.

Need help?

• Office of Bursar
  Questions about tuition, fees, payments, or payment plans?
  Room S-330 | 212-220-1300 | bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu
• General Financial Aid Questions
  Contact the Office of Financial Aid at the Panther Station
• ASAP Financial Aid Advisement (By Appointment Only)
  Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an ASAP Financial Aid Advisor:
  Book through Navigate
• Email the ASAP Financial Aid Team
  ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu (Include your full name and student ID number)

Taking these steps now can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your next semester. Let us know how we can support you!

Do you plan to register for Summer 2026 at BMCC? You may qualify for financial aid assistance! Click on the resources below to learn more:

• Summer 2026 Requirements: How to secure funding for Summer 2026
• Types of Summer Aid: What types of aid can you qualify for?
• Summer 2026 FAQs: Important reminders and frequently asked questions

As an ASAP student, you will receive textbook assistance to help reduce the cost of textbooks, course materials, and supplies. For more information, visit our Spring 2026 Textbook Information page.

Receiving a financial aid refund can be a big help—but it goes fast if you don’t have a plan. Whether your refund comes from federal or state aid, or through your ASAP textbook direct disbursement, these simple strategies can help you use your funds wisely and avoid unnecessary stress later in the semester.

1. Cover your school essentials first
Before spending your refund on anything else, make sure you’ve covered:
•Textbooks and required course materials
•Upgrading your personal computer, laptop, or tablet, and other essential electronic needs
•School supplies (notebooks, calculators, software access)

These costs directly affect your ability to stay enrolled and succeed.

2. Understand ASAP textbook direct disbursement
If you file your financial aid applications on time, ASAP textbook funding may be issued as a direct disbursement. This gives you more flexibility, but also more responsibility.

Use direct disbursement funds for:
•Required textbooks
•Course materials
•School-related expenses

Try not to treat this money as “extra”—it is meant to support your education.

3. Save money on textbooks
Textbooks are often the biggest expense, but there are ways to lower the cost:

•Wait for the syllabus before buying books—some are optional (check with your Professor)
•Buy used or rent instead of buying new
•Compare prices online before purchasing
•Check the library for reserve or digital copies

4. Set aside money for the future
Unexpected expenses happen. Try to save a small portion of your refund for:

•Device or software needs, such as repairs, upgrades
•Personal emergencies that could affect your ability to attend class
•Changes in financial aid eligibility, which may affect future refunds or out-of-pocket expenses

Even setting aside a little can help you avoid problems later.

5. Avoid spending refunds on non-essentials
It can be tempting to spend refund money right away, but using it on non-school items can create problems later in the semester—especially if you still need books or have a balance due.
Before spending, ask yourself: Will this help me stay enrolled and succeed this semester?

6. File early for future terms
Filing your financial aid applications early can:

•Increase your chances of receiving aid on time
•Reduce delays with textbooks and refunds
•Early filing helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress

Final tip
Financial aid is there to support your education. Using it carefully—especially refunds —can help you stay on track, avoid extra costs, and focus on your classes.
If you have questions about your aid, refunds, or textbook funding, reach out to the ASAP Financial Aid Team—we’re here to help.

We’re excited to announce that ASAP Financial Aid is hiring for a “Peer Mentor: Digital Media & Design” position! We’re looking for a creative and motivated student who’s passionate about design, social media, and supporting their peers in navigating financial aid.

View the full job description below. If you believe you’re a great fit for the role, please submit your resume and cover letter to ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu with the subject line: “ASAP Peer Mentor Application” by the deadline 4/30/2025.

Submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA and TAP applications by our priority deadline: March 1, 2025.
(For non-FAFSA filers, submit your TAP application through the NYS DREAM Act Application)

5 Reasons to File by the Deadline:

1. Plan Ahead!
   Get your financial aid package on time so you can plan, budget, and explore additional funding options if necessary.
2. Unlock Summer Aid!
   Taking classes in Summer 2025? Filing on time helps determine your eligibility for summer grants, scholarships, and book funding.
3. Reduce Stress!
   Filing on time gives you extra time to submit required documents and resolve any questions with the Financial Aid Office—no last-minute rush!
4. Meet ASAP Requirements!
   Filing by the March 1st priority deadline is a mandatory ASAP requirement. Filing on time ensures your financial aid package is ready to meet Bursar tuition payment deadlines and keep you eligible for ASAP support.
5. Access More Opportunities!
   Limited funds, like Federal Work-Study, are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing on time boosts your chances of securing these resources!

Don’t wait—take the first step toward securing your financial aid today!