Albany, NY - College-bound students and their families may be overwhelmed by the thought of paying for college in the months ahead.  The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has announced its annual month-long campaign to help students and families understand the financial aid process.

The campaign also aims to encourage completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – one of the most important tools in securing financial aid – early in the New Year.

"While students may still be deciding which college is the best fit, the process of applying for financial aid begins now," said Elsa Magee, Acting President of HESC, the state's student financial aid agency that helps people pay for college.

The HESC website, www.StartHereGetThere.org, simplifies the financial aid application process for college-bound students and their families with helpful tips and tools, and a step-by-step tutorial for completing the FAFSA, as well as information about federal, state and college-sponsored aid, including grants, such as New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Steven Dwire, Financial Aid Director at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York has this message for college-bound students: "Don't assume you or your family won't qualify for financial aid. Every student's situation is different and he or she may have qualifying factors that someone else doesn't have," he said.

"The key to getting college aid is by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA," said Dwire. "Your personal circumstances change every year, so it is important to file the FAFSA every year you attend college."

Financial aid information sessions and free "Complete the FAFSA" workshop events are being offered at locations across the state. Visit StartHereGetThere.org to find a location near you.

Students and families with questions about the FAFSA may also call a toll-free HESC hotline, 1-800-808-1790, every Tuesday and Thursday from Noon to 5 p.m. throughout the month. FAFSA questions may be emailed anytime to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .