NEW YORK — New York college students will soon get more financial aid from the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
College students currently receive a minimum TAP award of $500, but with the new expansion, students will now receive a minimum of $1,000.
The fiscal year 2025 Budget provided a significant increase of $55.7 million in TAP funding to support more students across New York State starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement about the $55.7 million expansion that expanded eligibility to middle-class families.
“Broadening TAP’s reach allows us to attain a brighter future for more of our students, one where they can achieve their educational goals and be proud of their accomplishments,” Governor Hochul said. “With more than 40,000 TAP applications already received from newly eligible students, it is clear that increasing the TAP income thresholds was a much-needed step in making higher education more accessible and more affordable for all New Yorkers.”
Changes include:
- Increasing the minimum TAP award increased from $500 to $1,000.
- Increasing the net taxable income limit for dependent student eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000.
- Increasing the net taxable Income limit for independent married students from $40,000 to $60,000.
- Increasing the net taxable Income limit for independent single students from $10,000 to $30,000.
"TAP is one of the nation's largest need-based college financial aid grant programs, and since its inception in 1974, it has provided nearly $30 billion to help more than 6 million New Yorkers attend college. The enhancements to TAP underscore Governor Hochul’s dedication to supporting students in their educational journeys. By expanding eligibility and increasing award amounts, we are empowering more New Yorkers to achieve their academic goals," said New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares.
TAP was expanded in 2024 to include part-time students and those enrolled in non-degree programs.
