Part-Time TAP is New York State grant aid for undergraduates taking less than a full course load in eligible programs. Beginning in 2025–26, the minimum fell to three degree-applicable credits. The state also consolidated former pathways—the community-college Part-Time Scholarship and Aid for Part-Time Study—so older guides using those names or rules no longer describe the current application.
The general rule is enrollment in an approved program at a TAP-eligible institution, 3–11 degree-applicable credits per semester, and at least a cumulative C average. There are pathways for full-time students with part-time applicable coursework and for NYS DREAM Act applicants; proprietary schools and non-degree programs have separate rules. TAP’s general residency/income and other eligibility requirements still apply.
There is no flat award amount: HESC calculates TAP using income, eligible tuition, reported credits, and applicable tuition aid, and the college certifies the final amount. PT TAP uses TAP eligibility points. Students who take only three credits term after term may risk falling behind HESC’s academic-progress schedule; ask the campus how it evaluates SAP and program pursuit.
Complete FAFSA and the TAP application each year, or NYS DREAM Act application if applicable; the 2026–27 deadline is June 30, 2027. Check HESC for receipt of both applications and confirm that your courses count toward the program. Before dropping credits after add/drop, ask the registrar and financial aid office how this affects payment, TAP points, and academic progress.
Do not mistake the three-credit minimum for a waiver of other TAP requirements or a guaranteed payment; coursework must apply to the program. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
Part-Time TAP Program — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Part-Time TAP Eligibility and Certification — HESC.
Program Description — 2025–26 changes — HESC.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
Do not mistake the three-credit minimum for a waiver of other TAP requirements or a guaranteed payment; coursework must apply to the program.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PT TAP)
From 3 to fewer than 12 eligible credits per semester; award calculated under TAP rules, with a C-average minimum and academic-progress requirements.
Public student financial-aid program
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) — TAP
The agency consolidated the former part-time programs beginning in 2025–26 and maintains credit, GPA, and annual application rules.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PT TAP) ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) — TAP ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) — TAP ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.