The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) reduces tuition costs for eligible New York residents attending an approved program. For 2026–27, HESC lists an annual range of $1,000 to $5,665, depending on tuition, net taxable income, dependency status, family members in college, and prior awards. It is a grant that generally does not need to be repaid unless an adjustment or overpayment applies, and it is not housing or living-expense aid.
Published income ceilings differ by category: up to $125,000 for dependent students and certain independent students with dependents; up to $60,000 for married independent students without dependents; and up to $30,000 for single independent students without dependents. Applicants also need New York residency, academic standing, approved enrollment, and the pathway’s required course load. TAP has part-time and approved workforce-credential options, but their rules differ from the 12-credit full-time track.
For the 2026–27 year, HESC lists June 30, 2027 as the deadline. Students complete FAFSA and the TAP application after finishing FAFSA; if the link does not appear, they can apply directly through HESC. Those who do not meet federal citizenship or residency rules can first check eligibility through the NYS DREAM Act. File each year, respond to verification requests, and check the portal to ensure the award is linked to the correct college.
Before accepting aid, confirm in writing who decides eligibility, which costs are covered, how renewal works, and which deadline applies to your cohort. Compare the award with the net cost at your school.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; your institution’s aid office can verify your individual case.
Tuition Assistance Program: ciclo 2026–27 — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Solicitar TAP en Nueva York — New York State Government.
TAP: procedimientos de cálculo y adjudicación — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates and funding can change by cycle; confirm current terms with the agency and your school’s financial-aid office before enrolling.
Confirm the active cycle, aid already applied, and final balance before committing to tuition or housing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) reduces tuition costs for eligible New York residents attending an approved program. For 2026–27, HESC lists an annual range of $1,000 to $5,665, depending on tuition, net taxable income, dependency status, family members in college, and prior awards. It is a grant that generally does not need to be repaid unless an adjustment or overpayment applies, and it is not housing or living-expense aid. Published income ceilings differ by category:
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
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
New York State Government · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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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 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 New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) ↗
Primary source
New York State Government · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) ↗
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 Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.