New York State Grants

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations and must not be in default on a federal or state made student loan or on any repayment of state awards.

Note: Where any question of eligibility exists, the student or prospective student should contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Tuition Assistance Program

All TAP applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at FAFSA.gov in order to determine eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant. Students must also complete a separate application at the NYS TAP application. The application deadline is June 30 of the award year for which aid is requested. The Higher Education Services Corporation determines the applicant’s eligibility and mails an award certificate directly to the applicant indicating the amount of the grant. The post-secondary institution may defer payment based on the receipt of the award certificate and verification of TAP eligibility requirements (such as high school completion, residency, citizenship).

Undergraduate students may generally receive TAP awards for four years of study. Students enrolled in approved five-year programs, or in a state-sponsored opportunity program, may receive undergraduate awards for five years.

*Independent status under the state definition does not necessarily ensure independent status for federal aid programs.

The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to the number of TAP payments previously received, tuition charge, and New York state net taxable income. The income measure is the family’s (for independent students) net taxable income from the preceding tax year plus certain non-taxable income and (for dependent students) support from divorced or separated parents. This income is further adjusted to reflect other family members enrolled full-time in post-secondary study.

More information regarding the NYS TAP award, including the selection of recipients and allocation of awards, can be found on the Higher Education Services Corporation website.

Part-time TAP

Part-time TAP helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions on a part-time basis pay for tuition. Part-time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at FAFSA and the TAP application at NYS TAP application. Students are required to notify the Office of Student Financial Services to receive part-time TAP. Learn more about TAP eligibility and income limits.

Veterans Tuition Awards

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time or part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York state. Students must complete the FAFSA  and a NYS TAP application. Students must also complete the NYS Veterans Tuition Award Application

For full-time study, veterans shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charges, whichever is less. Full-time study is defined as 12 or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution. For part-time study, awards will be prorated by credit hour. Part-time study is defined as 3–11 credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution.

Combined tuition benefits cannot exceed tuition.

Learn more about Veterans Tuition Awards.

Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Application Procedures

Application is through the independent institution of higher education at which the applicant is enrolled.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Recipients must be HEOP-sponsored students at this University. The total possible amount of each individual grant is determined by factors such as other available funds, NYSED-HEOP Bureau guidelines, student financial need, NYS-legislated appropriations, and a joint decision by the HEOP director and the director of student financial services.

Criteria of Program Pursuit and Satisfactory Academic Progress for Recipients of State Financial Aid Awards (HEOP)

HEOP students must meet the same criteria as recipients of the Tuition Assistance Program (see above). NYS standards of progress chart for HEOP students can be found in Standards of Academic Progress. For further information, contact the Academic Opportunities Program Office or the Office of Student Financial Services.

New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Program (APTS)

New York state provides grants ranging up to $2,000 for part-time students enrolled in a degree program. Recipients must meet several requirements, including New York state residency and income qualifications. Information and applications are available on the Office of Student Financial Services website. Learn more about APTS eligibility and income limits.

New York State Scholarships

For eligibility requirements, application process and award information on the following:

  • Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
  • American Airlines Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
  • Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute – MERIT Scholarship (MSRS)
  • NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship
  • NYS Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers
  • NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)
  • NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
  • NYS Aid to Native Americans
  • NYS Child Welfare Worker Incentive Scholarship Program
  • NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

For more information please visit the Higher Education Services Corporation webpage on Grants, Scholarships, and Loan Programs.