The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a New York grant for eligible undergraduates paying tuition at approved institutions. HESC lists annual awards of $1,000–$5,665, depending on net taxable income, dependency status, family size, cost, and other factors. It is not a loan, but it can be reduced when you receive other state awards or change enrollment.
For 2026–27, the published deadline is June 30, 2027. New York residents for 12 continuous months, undergraduates in approved programs, and applicants qualifying through the DREAM Act may use different routes. TAP includes part-time options and some non-degree workforce credentials; credit and income rules vary by pathway, so check the category that applies to you.
Income limits depend on family status: HESC publishes separate thresholds for dependent students, married independents without dependents, and single independents without dependents. Applicants must also be in good standing on education debts and comply with prior service commitments. File FAFSA and TAP each year; if you did not file TAP alongside FAFSA, HESC has a separate TAP application.
Standard duration depends on the degree: three years for a full-time associate, four for a bachelor’s, and five for some approved programs. Part-time students should verify that coursework applies to the program; TAP does not cover any course outside the degree plan. Compare the award with tuition and ask HESC or campus financial aid about income changes, family separation, or an eligibility issue.
To begin, identify the program administrator and the financial-aid office that certifies your enrollment. Review the program profile and requirements; for an individual account, also use the responsible state agency. Before accepting funds, compare the award letter with an itemized campus budget.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) — HESC.
NYS TAP: procedimiento de solicitud y plazos — HESC.
NYS DREAM Act — HESC.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: funding, deadlines, and college requirements can vary. Confirm the cycle, outstanding tasks, and net cost directly with the agency and your institution’s financial-aid office.
Submit FAFSA and TAP by June 30, 2027 and use the income threshold that matches your family category.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Tuition Assistance Program
Residency or DREAM Act route, eligible program, income by dependency/family status, applicable enrollment, and good standing on prior obligations.
State student financial-aid program
New York HESC — TAP
HESC publishes award ranges and thresholds while colleges certify enrollment and programs. Separate rules apply to part-time and DREAM Act applicants.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Tuition Assistance Program ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York HESC — TAP ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York HESC — TAP ↗
Primary source
HESC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.