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Orchard Park Central School District

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Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet college expenses.  Financial aid is usually provided by various sources such as federal and state agencies, colleges, high schools, foundations, and corporations.  The amount of financial aid a student receives is determined by federal, state, and institutional guidelines.

Grants are funds that are not repaid; loans must be repaid.  Student loan interest rates and repayment terms vary by program.  Employment is aid based on an hourly rate for work performed.

 

How to Apply

The following forms should be completed each year:

  • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) should be filled out each year to determine a student’s eligibility for grants, loans, Work-Study, and private loans.  It may also be used to determine your eligibility for institutional scholarships
  • New York State residents who submit a FAFSA for attendance at a college in New York State should also fill out the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application. 
  • Some colleges require that a CSS/Financial Aid Profile application be completed.  Check the requirements of the student’s prospective colleges to find out if this application is required.

 

Financial Aid Night

Financial Aid Night will be held in the OPHS Commons on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM. A representative from the University at Buffalo will give a presentation and answer questions about the college financial aid process and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.