RIT/NTID Need-Based Grants

Grants are need-based aid, available to undergraduate students, that do not have to be repaid. Grants are based on a student's FAFSA results. The CSS Profile (College Board) is not used to determine a student's eligibility for RIT/NTID need-based grants.

  • All need-based grant programs require a student to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the priority filing deadline and to reapply each academic year.  Any, additional requirements are listed under the funding sources below.
  • The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships does not utilize the CSS Profile (College Board) to determine an applicant's eligibility for any need-based grant program.  We only require a student to complete the FAFSA each year for consideration of need-based grants.
  • Renewal of RIT and/or NTID grants require demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and may be received up to 8 semesters of full-time attendance in coursework applicable to the student program of study (Bachelor’s) and up to 4 semesters of full-time attendance in coursework applicable to the student program of study (Associate) unless approved by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • Grant amounts are subject to increase or decrease if significant changes in demonstrated need occur.
  • Federal grant programs require a student to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward degree completion. State grant programs have different SAP requirements than federal aid programs.

RIT Need-Based Grants

Additional Information
Grant amount is determined annually based on information provided on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Eligibility

Offered to qualified first-year students who are graduates of the Rochester City School District (or approved charter schools) who lived in the city and attended an approved high school within the Rochester City School District for the last three years of high school; or are graduates of the Urban-Suburban program of Monroe County who attended an approved suburban high school for the last three years of high school while residing in the city of Rochester.

Total family income cannot be greater than $75,000.

Additional Information

Recipients receive funding equal to full tuition through a combination of NY State need-based grants, federal need-based grants, and RIT grants/scholarships.

How to Apply
RIT admission application due by January 15 and be certified by high school guidance office for consideration.

Eligibility
In partnership with Say YES to Education, offered to qualified participants in the Say Yes to Education program. Total family income must be less than $75,000.
Additional Information
Recipients receive aid equal to full tuition through a combination of RIT scholarships and state and federal need-based grants.
How to Apply
In order to be considered, your RIT admission application and the Say Yes scholarship certification form are due by January 15. The certification form can be found on the webpage of your local Say Yes community chapter (Syracuse, NY; Buffalo, NY; and Cleveland, OH).

NTID Need-Based Grants

Eligibility
NTID students who have demonstrated need due to insufficient support from outside resources.
Additional Information
Grant amount is determined annually based on information provided on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and review of outside resource eligibility. 

Federal Need-Based Grants

Eligibility
Based on financial need for students who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree.
Additional Information

Prorated for part time study.

Limited to 12 semesters of full-time eligibility or part-time equivalent.

Eligibility
Students who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree that demonstrate exceptional financial need.  Priority given to federal Pell grant recipients.
 

State Need-Based Grants

Eligibility
Full-time students who are New York state residents and meet state income guidelines.
Additional Information

Applicable to tuition only.

Up to 8 semesters of full-time enrollment depending on program of study.
How to Apply

The TAP Grant application is available on-line via the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or separately via the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Must apply every year.

Eligibility
Economically and academically disadvantaged residents of New York state.
How to Apply
Contact HEOP Office at RIT (585-475-2506) for eligibility guidelines.

Eligibility
Requirements vary depending on state of residence
How to Apply
Contact state education department where you reside.

Other Need-Based Grants

Undergraduate RIT first-year and transfer students from Canada may be eligible for need-based financial assistance including grants and work study. 

  • RIT students applying for Spring 2026, should complete the Canadian Student Financial Aid Application and upload a scanned copy of their completed and signed financial aid application to our Secure Document Upload.
  • RIT students applying for Fall 2026 and beyond, once a Canadian student submits their admissions application, the Canadian Financial Aid application link will be available in their admissions portal.

RIT does not offer need-based financial aid for international graduate students. Learn more about graduate funding sources. 

For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.