BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Category: Student Financial Services
Policy No.: I:02:00
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Financial Aid Office
Date Posted to Directory: (to be determined)
Buffalo State University is committed to assisting eligible students in financing their education by administering federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs in accordance with all applicable statutes and regulations. This overview outlines who may receive aid, the forms that aid may take, and where detailed program information can be found.
Financial aid eligibility is determined by a combination of factors that include matriculation status, enrollment status, demonstrated financial need, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and program pursuit.
The university packages aid from three primary sources:
Grant Aid – scholarships, Pell, TAP, and other "gift" assistance that does not require repayment.
Student Loans – subsidized, unsubsidized, PLUS, and alternative loans that must be repaid.
Student Employment – Federal Work‑Study and institutional work programs in which students earn wages to help meet expenses.
Comprehensive descriptions of all undergraduate aid programs—application procedures, federal and state grants and loans, veterans benefits, aid for students with disabilities, SAP standards, award notifications, disbursement rules, and withdrawal implications—are published annually in the Financial Aid section of the Undergraduate Catalog. Parallel information for graduate students is located in the Graduate Catalog.
The Director of Financial Aid has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with federal Title IV regulations, New York State Education Department requirements, SUNY policy, and institutional guidelines. The Director will
establish and publish annual SAP standards;
monitor regulatory changes and update internal procedures;
train staff on ethical administration of aid; and
submit required federal and state reports.
The Financial Aid Office will provide an annual metrics and compliance report to the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Financial Need | The difference between the student’s cost of attendance and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. |
| Matriculation | Formal admission to a degree- or certificate‑granting program at Buffalo State University. |
| Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) | Minimum GPA, pace, and maximum time‑frame standards students must meet to remain eligible for aid. |
| Program Pursuit | Completion of the required percentage of attempted credits each term to maintain certain state aid programs. |
| Step | Action | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | File the FAFSA (and NYS TAP application, if applicable) by published priority date. | Student |
| 2 | Submit any requested verification documents. | Student / Financial Aid Office |
| 3 | Receive and review electronic Award Notification via Bengal Success Portal. | Financial Aid Office / Student |
| 4 | Accept, reduce, or decline loan and work‑study offers online. | Student |
| 5 | Meet SAP after each term; Office evaluates and notifies students of warning or suspension status. | Financial Aid Office |
| 6 | Funds disburse to student accounts after census date; excess credit balances are refunded within 14 days. | Student Accounts / Financial Aid Office |
| 7 | Students who fail SAP may appeal according to the SAP Appeals Procedure (see Related Documents). | Student |
Students must provide accurate information, complete required forms on time, and maintain SAP.
Financial Aid Office must counsel students, determine eligibility, disburse aid accurately, and keep records.
Academic Departments must report enrollment changes promptly to ensure correct aid calculations.
Undergraduate Catalog – Financial Aid Section
Graduate Catalog – Financial Aid Section
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (forthcoming)
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Federal Title IV Regulations 34 C.F.R. § 668
Financial Aid Office
Moot Hall 230
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878‑4902
Website: https://financialaid.buffalostate.edu
Email: finaid@buffalostate.edu
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Feb 2009 | Policy updated to clarify aid types and catalog references. |
| Jul 2025 | Reformatted into Directory of Policy Statements template; added oversight and procedure sections. |
This policy was approved by the President’s Cabinet on (to be determined).
