NY makes TAP available for first time to part-time college students
About 75,000 students eligible for $150 million
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the historic $150 million expansion of New York State’s popular Tuition Assistance Program, which will now provide TAP to approximately 75,000 additional students who are pursuing their degree part-time.
Expanding Part-Time TAP to fully part-time learners creates pathways to an affordable education for individuals of all ages who are often balancing other responsibilities such as a family and work. Full-time TAP awards can be up to $5,665 annually for a full-time student; part-time TAP will be available on a pro-rated basis to eligible students taking six to 11 credits per semester with no full-time prerequisite.
“Higher education students not only hold the key for our state, but for their families,” Hochul said. “A degree changes more than just the life of its holder, it changes the lives of those all around them. Every person who calls New York home should have the opportunity to better themselves and invest in their education.”
Students enrolling in the Fall 2022 semester may apply for part-time TAP by filling out the federal FAFSA application (click here). Once submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application. For students who have already enrolled and submitted their FAFSA for the 2022-2023 academic year, TAP awards will automatically be adjusted based on the number of enrolled credits.
Eligibility for part-time TAP is consistent with full-time TAP awards, which includes residency and income requirements. TAP awards do not need to be repaid by any recipient.
New York State TAP is one of the nation’s largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. Overall, more than 6 million New Yorkers were awarded nearly $30 billion in tuition assistance awards through TAP. During the 2020-2021 academic year, 250,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $700 million in tuition assistance awards.
As a result of state and federal financial support, more than 190,000 New York residents attend CUNY or SUNY tuition-free.
