Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Financial Aid for New York State Students

---

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant that helps eligible New York residents afford tuition at approved colleges and universities across the state,  administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Additional information and application procedures are available on the HESC web site.

Eligible full-time students can receive up to $5,665 per year to help cover tuition costs. Part-time students may also qualify for aid under certain conditions.  TAP does not have to be repaid, making it one of the most valuable financial aid programs for students attending a university.

In order to determine your potential award a student must complete the FAFSA and TAP application  or DREAM Act application each year for payment

Undergraduate TAP Code: 0875

---

Why Apply for TAP?

• Reduces the financial burden of tuition.
• May be combined with other grants and scholarships for maximum support

---

Deadline and Application

Academic Year	Deadline Date
Academic Year 2024-25	06/30/2025
Academic Year 2025-26	06/30/2026

---

Eligibility Requirments

To qualify for TAP, students must meet the following requirements:

• Income & Financial Requirements

  You are eligible to receive TAP if you fall under any of the following income limits:

  • $125,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):
    • If you are a dependent undergraduate student within a household earning under the income limit or
    • If you are an independent undergraduate student (married or single) with tax dependents or
    • If you are an undergraduate student who qualified as an orphan, foster child, or ward of the court at any time since the age of 13.
  • $60,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):
    • If you are an independent undergraduate student (married) without tax dependents.
  • $30,000 or less net taxable income (NTI):
    • If you are an independent undergraduate student (single) without tax dependents.

  Financial Status

  To receive TAP, you must:

  • Be in good standing (a non-default status) on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award and
  • Be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award that you have previously received.
• Citizenship & NYS Residency

  You can receive TAP if you meet the following residency requirements: 

  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and
  • You are a legal resident of New York State and have resided in New York State for 12 continuous months.

  Not a citizen or eligible noncitizen? Learn more about the NYS DREAM Act application. 

• Academic Requirements

  High School, GED, or Ability to Benefit

  • Graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED), or passed a federally approved  "Ability to Benefit" test.

  College & Program

  Once in college, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Attend an approved college in New York State.
  • Be a full-time student taking 12 or more credits each semester.
  • Be enrolled in a degree-granting program of study and maintain good academic standing.
  • Be charged at least $200 for tuition per year.

---

Award Amounts & Limits
$1,000 to $5,665

The amount of TAP funding a student receives depends on:

• Combined income, including family-earned income and pensions
• Number of family members enrolled in college
• Financial status (dependent or independent)
• Cost of tuition
• When you started receiving TAP or other NYS awards

---

How to Apply for TAP

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

• Before applying for TAP, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
• The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal aid programs.

Step 2: Complete the TAP Application

• After submitting the FAFSA, you will be directed to the HESC TAP Application at hesc.ny.gov.
• If not automatically directed, visit the HESC website and you can complete your application.

Step 3: Submit & Track Your TAP Award

• After submitting the application, you will receive a TAP award notification.
• Check the status of your TAP award by logging into your HESC account.

---

Why is my TAP award estimated?

Stony Brook University estimates a TAP award for all New York State residents who file a FAFSA.  This estimate is based on the income information reported on the FAFSA.  Until the university receives the TAP application information from HESC this award is estimated.  Ensure you have completed the TAP application at hesc.ny.gov and your application includes Stony Brook University's School Code on your application.

---

Maintaining TAP Eligibility

To continue receiving TAP funding, students must meet academic and enrollment requirments each semester:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (varies by program).
• Successfully complete a minimum number of credits each year.
• Remain enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program.
• Avoid withdrawing from courses, as this can impact TAP eligibility.

If a student loses TAP eligibility due to academic performance, they may appeal or take steps to regain eligibility.