Eligibility
In accordance with State Education Department (SED) guidance, student eligibility determinations are based on indicators of economic disadvantage, in alignment with applicable state and federal guidelines.
Students applying to the CSTEP program must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a New York State resident
- Be economically disadvantaged, as defined by the New York State Education Department鈥檚 low-income guidelines (see below)
- Be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credits)
- Be pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or a licensed profession (see list below)
Economically disadvantaged is confirmed through the FSC Financial Aid Office.
How is "economically disadvantaged" defined by CSTEP?
We are a New York State Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, so we must follow the set forth below:
| New York State Department of Education CSTEP Income Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026 |
|
|---|---|
| # of Household Dependents | Eligible Income |
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
Licensed Professions
For a full list of Licensed Professions, please visit the
CSTEP Program
Knapp Hall, Suite 128
934-420-5152
cstep@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm