CUNY ASAP / ACE — City University of New York

CUNY ASAP is not a stand-alone scholarship paid as a check. It is a City University of New York student-success program combining academic and financial support. Sixteen CUNY colleges offer pathways to associate degrees and, at selected campuses, bachelor’s degrees. It may be especially useful to students who need help planning credits, transportation, and everyday college costs alongside traditional aid.

Published benefits include a dedicated adviser, tutoring, academic and career guidance, priority course registration, textbook assistance, and unlimited-ride OMNY cards. Students who meet financial-aid requirements may receive a tuition-and-fee gap award after Pell and TAP are applied. CUNY says this award is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. Still, joining ASAP does not mean tuition and every expense are covered: students without Pell or TAP may receive other program services but not the tuition-gap award.

CUNY’s 2026–27 guide lists general requirements: be a current or newly accepted student at a participating college, be a New York City or New York State resident eligible for in-state tuition, file FAFSA and TAP every year, usually take 12 credits per semester, and remain in good academic standing. The tuition scholarship also requires at least $1 in Pell or TAP, a remaining tuition gap after aid, and no open federal verification tasks. Specific eligibility changes by pathway and college; majors and credit limits are not uniform.

Start with admission to a participating campus and major. Then review Join ASAP, complete FAFSA and TAP—or the New York State Dream Act route when applicable—accept federal and state grant aid, and follow instructions from the campus recruiter. CUNY warns that places are limited: completing steps early may help the campus review a file, but it does not guarantee placement. There is no single deadline for every college; ask the local program team for its admissions calendar and information sessions.

Before comparing an aid offer, request a budget that separates tuition, fees, books, and transit. Confirm in writing whether your major participates in ASAP or ACE, how many prior credits are allowed for your pathway, what satisfactory academic progress means, and which transit support applies to your term. If you do not qualify for the tuition award, ask what advising, tutoring, or campus aid remains available. The program’s value is its support network, while each benefit depends on eligibility and continued participation.

Who it serves and what it can cover: ASAP and ACE combine advising, tutoring, priority registration, unlimited OMNY, textbook support, and a tuition-and-fee gap award for students who meet financial-aid conditions.

How to apply or get help: There is no single walk-in office. The program operates at 16 CUNY campuses; use Join ASAP to check the campus, major, interest form, and recruiter for your situation. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information