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The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. TAP is one of the grants, scholarships and awards programs administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). 

An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. TAP is a grant or tuition award – it doesn’t have to be paid back. New York State students attending college in New York State – including high school seniors who plan to attend college the following fall – should apply for TAP. 

TAP is available for eligible college students studying full- or part-time. Part-time TAP is available to part-time students who are taking 1-11 credits while enrolled at eligible non-degree workforce credential programs at participating CUNY schools. 

Application Form

The first step in the TAP application process is the completion of the FAFSA. Once you complete your FAFSA online, you will be taken to a Confirmation Page. Click on the link to apply for New York State-based financial aid and you will be directed to the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website in order to fill out your TAP application. If you miss the link you will receive an email from HESC after your FAFSA is processed with information on how to complete your TAP application. 

You must submit a FAFSA and TAP application before June 30, 2025 for the 2024-2025 aid year. 

To be eligible for TAP, students must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen

  • Be a legal resident of New York State and have resided in New York State for 12 continuous months

  • Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED), or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test.

  • Attend an approved college in New York State

  • Be a full-time student taking 12 or more credits each semester

  • Be enrolled in a degree-granting program of study and maintain good academic standing

  • Be charged at least $200 for tuition per year

  • Be in good standing (a non-default status) on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award and

  • Be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award that you have previously received.

 Income Limits
For the 2024-25 Academic Year:

  • $125,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):

    • If you are a dependent undergraduate student within a household earning under the income limit or

    • If you are an independent student (married or single) with tax dependents or

    • If you are a student who qualified as an orphan, foster child, or ward of the court at any time since the age of 13.

  • $60,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):

    • If you are an independent student (married) without tax dependents.

  • $30,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):

    • If you are an independent student (single) without tax dependents.

 Award Amounts
TAP awards range from $1,000 to $5,665 a year.
Award amount determined by:

  • Combined income, including family-earned income and pensions.

  • Number of family members enrolled in college.

  • Financial status (dependent or independent).

  • Cost of tuition.

  • When you started receiving TAP or other NYS awards.

Qualifying Program and Credits
You must be admitted into a degree program and be matriculated.
You must register for at least 12 credits or equated credits, which are creditable toward your declared major. 

Pursuit and Progress
You must make academic progress towards a degree. You must maintain a minimum GPA for each payment requested.