Overview & FAQs

Check out the Information Below to learn more about the College Choice Program

Program Benefits

View and Download the Program Summary Sheet for the College Choice Program.

Tutoring, Advising, and Career Counseling from trained staff
Tuition & Fees Covered (after financial aid is applied)
Year-Round Housing Costs Covered by ACS
$60/day Living Stipend for food and other expenses while in school and up to 6 months post-graduation

Eligibility Criteria

Be in foster care through the NYC Administration for Children’s Services at the time you first begin participating in the College Choice Program

Be enrolled in at least 12 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters or have the equivalent full-time status at a college/university that isn’t on a semester system.

  • If taking less than 12 credits, submit a formal letter from your college/university advisor that explains why you are attending less than full time and lays out a plan to return to full-time status, or if it is your final semester, noting how many credits you need to graduate.

Maintain a 2.0 cumulate GPA (or the equivalent of your college/university grades on a different scale) after your first semester.

  • If your GPA falls below a 2.0, to maintain eligibility you’re required to work with your college/university advisor to develop and submit an Academic Success Plan that outlines tasks/steps you will take to improve academically

Apply and submit all required documentation for all of the following, by the deadline prior to the start of school year in which you wish to participate in College Choice:

Enroll in all college support programs which are offered by your college/ university for which you are eligible. These include ASAP, SEEK, CD, and H/EOP

Respond to any questions, concerns, and document requests from ACS and NYF staff, and Case Planner or Fair Futures Coach, as well as be responsive to any plans that might be put in place by them to help you with school.

Be an associate’s degree student, which enables you to participate in the College Choice program for up to a total of nine semesters (including summers), or a bachelor’s degree student, which enables you to participate for up to a total of fifteen semesters (including summers and including any time you spent in the program as an associate’s degree student).

Required Documents

All students applying to the College Choice Program are required to provide the following documentation as part of their application each semester:

College/university enrollment verification letter
Bursar bill with financial aid/awards applied
Up-to-date college transcript (for continuing college students)
Full-time course load for the upcoming semester
College of attendance academic calendar
For students living in private off-campus housing, a signed lease with their landlord outlining terms and fees
For students applying for the 6 months post-graduation stipend, a copy of their final college transcript and diploma are required
If you would like to see a sample documents package

Housing Opportunities

Students are responsible for arranging their housing, including making sure any licensing agreements and other paperwork are filed by deadlines set by colleges/universities/private landlords. ACS will cover up to $30,000 in housing costs, after financial aid, during each academic year/three-semester period (fall, spring, summer).

  • Students who attend a school that provides on-campus housing can apply directly through their school
  • Students who attend a school outside of NYC can opt to apply for safe and appropriate private off-campus housing
  • Students who attend school in NYC can an opt to apply for any of the below options. Housing is first come, first served, and coordinated directly through the housing provider. Students must indicate they are a student with ACS College Choice when they apply.
  • The Towers at City College of New York (only for CUNY students)
  • The Summit at Queens College (only for CUNY students)
  • International House (Morningside Heights; for students age 20 and older)
  • 92Y Residence (Upper East Side)
  • Outpost-club Student Housing (Multiple locations through NYC)

Private Off Campus Housing Payment Guidelines

  • Housing payments are made directly to the landlord/housing provider on a per semester basis (Fall, Spring, and Summer), not monthly.
  • The maximum housing allowance per month for the academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer) cannot exceed $2,500/month. Landlord must prorate charges based on when student moves in.
  • The College Choice Program is only responsible for the cost of rent and any other standard fees included in the lease (i.e. application fee, security deposit, etc.) – College Choice does not pay for fees related to damages, parking, use of amenities, etc.
  • Landlords are expected to provide an invoice that outlines the service period for each semester. A sample invoice can be found on page above. Invoices must be sent to [email protected]
  • Late fees should not be included on invoices as landlord will received advanced payment for future months.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a balance and can not register for classes. What should I do?2025-11-21T04:03:32-05:00

Request a Promise to Pay Letter. Reach out to [email protected] to request one.
I have a hold and need a promise to pay letter to provide to my school to register for my class how do I obtain one?2025-11-21T04:02:18-05:00

Please reach out to [email protected] to request one. Any payment-related questions can be submitted to this inbox.
What is College Choice Probation? How will this impact my standing in College Choice?2025-11-21T04:01:18-05:00

Students who are not in good academic standing are put on probation as students must have a 2.0 GPA, pass 65% of courses attempted, and/or not meet the requirements for College Choice. You are given two semesters to make improvements to maintain good standing in the program. It’s important to note that a pattern of withdrawal from classes, failing grades, or a drop in GPA during semesters might impact your College Choice benefits, including stipends and housing placements for the upcoming semesters.
I applied for Post-Grad Stipend but I do not have all my documents yet. Will I still receive my post-grad stipend?2025-11-21T03:57:47-05:00

To be approved for a post-grad stipend we must have both a copy of your final transcript and a copy of your diploma. Without both, you will not be approved or start to receive payments until we have all the documents on file.
I am currently getting discharged from care but I’m already in College Choice. Will this impact me?2026-02-12T15:12:04-05:00

No, since you are already in the program at the time that you applied you will be able to stay in the program as long as you meet all requirements.
I am no longer in foster care can I still apply?2025-11-21T03:53:35-05:00

If you have been discharged from Care unfortunately you do not qualify for The College Choice. You must be in care at the time that you applied.
I am not a citizen. Can I still apply?2026-02-12T16:57:10-05:00

Yes, as long as you meet all requirements of the program.
I am a new student to College Choice but I am not a new student in college. What should I know before applying?2025-11-21T03:53:55-05:00

You must be in good academic standing to join College Choice. If your GPA is below 2.0 or have a pattern of withdrawing from the majority of your courses, you may not qualify for College Choice. Once you’re able to bring your GPA then you can reapply.
I’m having difficulties with my application and/or have general questions who do I contact?2026-02-12T17:02:14-05:00

You can email [email protected]. Also, you can book an appointment via our Calendly: https://calendly.com/collegechoiceprogram/officehours. An email will be sent out to let you know when office hours are open each semester.
I already applied for College Choice do I need to apply again?2025-11-21T03:54:04-05:00

You must apply EVERY semester and submit corresponding documents for the semester that you are applying to.
I applied on the portal but I need to submit additional documents/information how do I submit it?2026-02-12T16:55:26-05:00

You can do this by signing back into the portal, clicking on ‘My Account,’ and then clicking ‘Message Center.’ From there, you can attach additional documents by clicking on ‘Attach a File’ in the chat. You can do this by signing back into the portal, clicking on ‘My Account,’ and then clicking ‘Message Center.’ From there, you can attach additional documents by clicking on ‘Attach a File’ in the chat.
I want reside at one of The College Choice housing options. How do I go about it?2026-02-12T16:56:24-05:00

After you apply for College Choice you must also apply for housing. You can find housing options under program information. You then can click on the link of the housing option you prefer and apply. If the application requires a guarantor you can put “College Choice.”
How are student applications processed?2026-02-12T17:24:02-05:00

You can do this by logging into your portal through submittable, clicking on your application, and clicking on messages. Once you are in your messages you can upload your additional documents as PDFs.
Can I reside at my housing option during the summer?2025-11-21T03:54:43-05:00

Students should confirm with their housing provider that they meet all eligibility requirements for Housing.
What is needed for my College Choice applications if I choose a private off-campus option?2026-02-12T15:08:23-05:00

We require a lease and an invoice. You can submit this with your application.
What do I need to know for private off campus housing?2026-02-13T16:15:46-05:00

Students interested in private off campus housing outside of NYC are responsible for working with their landlord and agency to ensure the landlord is aware of the following before they sign a lease:
• Private off campus landlords will be paid on per semester schedule.
• Private off campus landlords will be expected to submit an invoice.
• Students are responsible for any additional fees such as (parking, damages to unit/dorm, etc.)

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