TAP Has Provided $30 Billion in Financial Aid to More than 6 Million New Yorkers Since Start of Program
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application is now open for applicants for the 2024-2025 school year. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program remains one of the nation’s largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. Since its inception in 1974, the Tuition Assistance Program has provided nearly $30 billion dollars to help more than 6 million New Yorkers to help make college more affordable and accessible.
“New York State has long recognized the importance of investing in education and providing access to quality higher education opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “Over the last 50 years, TAP has been instrumental in helping students from low-income families, first-generation college students, and other learners achieve their academic aspirations. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of New York’s students through this critical program.”
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is available to full-time and part-time matriculated learners who study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State. With a maximum TAP award of $5,665, the program provides crucial financial support to students who may otherwise not be able to afford a college education. In the 2020-21 school year alone, over 250,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $700 million in tuition assistance through TAP.
To help students navigate the financial aid process and apply early, the 2024-25 TAP application will be opening prior to the release of the FAFSA. Students do not need to wait until the FAFSA is released to apply for TAP. The early release allows students to get a jump start on the NYS Financial aid process and ensure they are well-positioned to succeed in their academic pursuits. The FAFSA is expected to open in December, at which time students who have already completed their TAP application can finish their financial aid process by submitting the FAFSA.
TAP is just one of the many ways New York State makes college affordable and accessible. Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website to explore other options available to help pay for college.
For more information on eligibility requirements or to apply for TAP, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/tap. Students can also visit HESC’s Virtual Drop in Lounge to get their questions answered and receive assistance completing their TAP application. Visit https://startheregetthere.ny.gov/events to view the dates and hours of HESC’s Drop in Lounge.
The 2024-2025 TAP application is open to new and returning students entering college in the Fall 2024 term. Students eligible for TAP under the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act can apply here. Applications will be accepted through June 2025. Students currently attending college for the 2023-24 school year can still apply for TAP through June 2024 here.
