College Goal New York helps students and families take the first, most important step toward paying for college: the FAFSA. We explain financial aid in plain language, so families across New York can apply with confidence and claim the aid they qualify for.
Financial aid starts with the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens the door to grants, work-study and loans — but the form intimidates a lot of families, and some never finish it. Our guides break the process into simple steps so no student misses out on aid they’ve earned.
Get started
What the FAFSA is, what you need, and how to begin.
Program info
Grants, loans and scholarships explained simply.
Resources
Guides and tools to help you plan and apply.
How we help families
- Step-by-step help completing the FAFSA
- Plain explanations of grants, loans and scholarships
- Guidance for first-generation college families
- Answers to common financial-aid questions
Latest guides
- College Goal New York – Home
- College Goal New York – How To Prepare
- College Goal New York – Basic Steps
- College Goal New York – Contact Info
- College Goal New York – Program Info
- College Goal New York – College Funding Info
Frequently asked questions
Is College Goal New York free?
Yes. Our guidance and resources are free for students and families.
Who is it for?
Students heading to college and the families helping them pay for it, especially first-generation families.
Who runs College Goal New York?
The guidance is led by Diane Whitaker, a financial-aid advisor. More about us.