It is interesting to note that, every year, around 89% of students at SESC receive some kind of financial aid, while the total amount of assistance/loans provided is $22,586,516. Notably, a total of 66% of the applicants to SUNY Empire State College receive the Federal Grant every year. Meanwhile, 81% of the applicants receive the Student Grant and 66% are awarded the Institution Grant, while 66% of the students get the Pell Grant. Moreover, the average aid amount for Federal Grant awardees stands at $5,593, while the same comes to $3,032 for State Grant receivers and $1,547 for Institution Grant awardees. On the other hand, the average aid received by the Pell Grant awardees is $5,345. Among other things, the annual family income of the applicant plays a major role in determining the total financial aid they are actually eligible to receive. Apart from financial grants and scholarships, candidates can also avail of monetary benefits like student loans to fund their education. In contrast to grants and scholarships, student loans are taken by the candidates at a certain rate of interest. Moreover, the funds received through these loans will have to be repaid within a given timeframe. At SESC, an estimated number of 48% of the applicants choose to go for student loans.