Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Open now · due June 30, 2027Renews each year
NY's main need-based grant: $1,000 to $5,665 a year for full-time students at approved NYS colleges
- How much
- $1,000 to $5,665
- Who qualifies
- NYS net taxable income limits: $125,000 or less (dependent students or independent students with dependents); $60,000 (married independent, no dependents); $30,000 (single independent, no dependents). Legal NYS resident for 12 continuous months. Full-time (12+ credits/semester) in a degree program at an approved NYS college; good academic standing; not in default on a student loan.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; NYS DREAM Act students eligible
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due June 30, 2027 Annual; application deadline June 30 at the end of the academic year (2026-27: June 30, 2027; 2027-28: June 30, 2028)
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (and list a NYS college), then complete the NYS TAP application linked from the FAFSA or via HESC
- Non-residents/undocumented students apply through the NYS DREAM Act application
- Reapply each year
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesc.ny.gov)
The details
Award of $1,000 to $5,665 per year, set by combined family income, number of family members in college, financial status, tuition cost and award history. Annual; must reapply each year. Duration depends on program length (3-5 years). Requires full-time study (12+ credits per semester) in a degree program at an approved NYS college with an annual tuition charge of at least $200. Part-time students: see Part-Time TAP.
More money from New York
- Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA)Up to $6,000 for tuition expenses
- NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence$500 or $1,500 per year
- Excelsior ScholarshipCovers tuition at SUNY/CUNY (last-dollar, after other aid)
- Non-degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)Prorated TAP award based on credits and actual tuition
- Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (Part-Time TAP)Prorated share of TAP ($1,000 to $5,665 full-time range) based on credits
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.