Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Tuition Assistance Program is available to any New York State resident who is enrolled full time in an approved educational program in New York State. The amount of TAP is based on the amount of tuition charged and family taxable income (income after deductions). Taxable income is adjusted for additional family members enrolled in college full time, or for child support received from a non-custodial parent and any pensions the family may have.

The maximum adjusted taxable income for TAP eligibility for dependent applicants is $80,000. Awards range from $500 to $5,165 per year, depending on income and the year in which the first award was received. After a candidate has received payment for four semesters of study, his or her award is reduced by $100 for each subsequent year of study.

Undergraduate students generally will be eligible for no more than eight semesters of TAP payments, although students in certain pre-approved programs may be eligible for up to 10 semesters.

Applicants for TAP must first file a FAFSA. The United States Department of Education will forward relevant data of New York State residents to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) for further processing. Filers who do not hear from HESC by May 1 or three weeks after filing, whichever occurs last, should call the Financial Aid Office for assistance. Application status may be viewed online, and detailed information about all programs administered by HESC can be obtained at http://hesc.ny.gov.