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:
About 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: 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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College scholarship and financial-aid program