New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
For undergraduate study at approved New York colleges. Eligibility depends on residency, immigration status or DREAM Act pathway, net taxable income, and enrollment. HESC lists annual awards of $1,000–$5,665 toward tuition; applicants must apply each year, and part-time study has separate rules.
About New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is New York State aid for undergraduates paying tuition at an approved in-state institution. It is not a grant that automatically covers every college expense: HESC calculates an individual award using net taxable income, dependency status, family members in college, tuition costs, and other New York awards received.
For 2026–27, HESC lists annual awards from $1,000 to $5,665 and a June 30, 2027 deadline. The final amount cannot be determined from income alone; students must submit an application and wait for their file to be reviewed. TAP helps with tuition. Do not assume it pays housing, food, transportation, books, or ineligible fees. Part-time TAP is also available under separate credit rules.
The standard route requires U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status and 12 continuous months of legal New York State residence before enrollment. The NYS DREAM Act allows some students who do not meet the standard immigration rule to seek state aid if they satisfy its own criteria; they must first be approved through that pathway and then complete the TAP application. It is not an automatic exemption for every undocumented student or recent arrival.
Published net taxable income limits vary by status: 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 must also have a high-school diploma, equivalency, or approved Ability to Benefit result; attend an approved degree program; and meet academic progress rules. Most full-time students need at least 12 applicable credits per semester; part-time routes have distinct criteria.
Apply using the FAFSA and linked TAP application or the state TAP portal; some applicants may use the NYS DREAM Act route. Reapply every year and maintain satisfactory progress, loan standing, and credit requirements. Open an HESC account, monitor document requests, and check that your college and program are correct. HESC lists 1-888-697-4372, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. If you change colleges or course loads, ask the financial-aid office how the award will be affected.
Who it serves and what it can cover: For undergraduate study at approved New York colleges. Eligibility depends on residency, immigration status or DREAM Act pathway, net taxable income, and enrollment. HESC lists annual awards of $1,000–$5,665 toward tuition; applicants must apply each year, and part-time study has separate rules.
How to apply or get help: Applications for academic year 2026–27 are due by June 30, 2027. HESC: 1-888-697-4372, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
New York State aid that helps eligible college students pay tuition