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The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides awards to students to assist them in paying tuition. To qualify you and your parents (if you are considered a dependent student) must have a New York State Net Taxable Income (gross income less deductions and allowances for exemptions) of $80,000 or less. Income requirement is different for independent students. (Visit the Higher Education Services Corporation web site for more information).

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC) administers this program. Income reported on the application is automatically compared with the records of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. TAP awards can range (per semester) from $100.00-$2,500.00 for undergraduate and $37.50-$275.00 for graduate programs. If TAP appears on your award letter as a form of aid you should consider it to be an estimate. You will receive an actual TAP award certificate directly from NYSHESC. You can check the status of your TAP application at www.hesc.com/.

TAP Application Process

  1. Students, who are New York State residents applying for TAP must do so by first filling out a FAFSA application. You will be able to link to your online TAP application at the end of the FAFSA session. For details about the TAP application process visit the NYU Office of Financial Aid.

  2. TAP change forms are available at the New York State Higher Education website or by
    calling 518-474-5642 or 1-888-NYS-HESC.

TAP Eligibility

New York State Grant must be certified eligible by the university and student must meet the following requirements:

  1. The student must be a New York State resident
  2. Have graduated from high school within the United States, or have a GED, or have passed a federally-approved Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test demonstrating the student can benefit from
    the education offered
  3. The student must be full-time (not including repeat courses)
    • Undergraduates must be registered for 12 or more points
    • Graduates must be registered for 12 or more points or have a full-time equivalency as defined by the New York State Education Department. NYS has determined the following activities contribute to the assessment of full-time equivalent (only applies to graduate students):
      • Independent Study
      • Graduate Assistantship
      • Thesis or Dissertation Research
      • Preparation for a Language or Qualifying Examination
      • Remedial Courses

    Equivalencies issued for the sole purpose of qualifying for university aid do not meet the NYSED standard.

  4. The student must meet the New York State Education Department Commissioner's Guidelines on Good Academic Standing

  5. Undergraduates who have reached their junior year must declare a major
  6. The student must meet the New York State C-Average requirement
  7. Student must have a tuition liability greater than $100.00 per semester

If you are receiving TAP for the fall or spring semester, you will be given a credit on your Bursar Statement of Account. Credit is not extended for the Summer Term because the State of New York defers payment on these awards. Students who are registered as part-time for the summer will receive their TAP award at the end of the following year. Students registered as full-time will receive payment at the end of the fall semester of the same year.

Notes:

  • The dropping of courses can or may effect the TAP award you received when an evaluation (audit) for the New York State Education Department Commissioner's Guidelines for Good Academic Standing is performed
  • Grades of incomplete must be satisfied before the completion of the following semester

Additional TAP Links

New Aid Program