The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State.
An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.
Students from mixed status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/altpath. Students may also reach out to HESC or may contact our office at sfs@purchase.edu to learn more about their options to apply for NYS aid.
This New York State grant is determined by your family’s New York State net taxable income. You must file a separate application with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC), who will issue you an official award notice.
The TAP amount that appears on the Financial Aid Award Notice is only an estimated award until NYS determines your actual award amount and sends the information to the school. TAP is limited to eight semesters for eligibility (10 semesters for EOP students). Learn more about TAP eligibility.
Withdrawing and Your New York State Aid Eligibility
If TAP was awarded and certified for full-time tuition for the term of withdrawal, then it will be de-certified for the following term. An appeal will be necessary.
If TAP was certified as a withdrawal with liability, then the student will receive the reduced amount of the award for the term of withdrawal and will most likely be de-certified the following term. An appeal will be necessary for the following term.
If tuition charges are reduced or canceled for the term of withdrawal, the current TAP award will be reduced or canceled accordingly.
Please speak to the Registrar’s Office in regard to the certification of your award during these circumstances.
TAP Expansion
New York State residents planning to attend a State University of New York college should apply for the New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
TAP is available for eligible students taking six or more credit hours per semester in their program of study.
TAP awards are based on NYS net taxable income and other factors. FAFSA applicants will link to the TAP application if:
You are a New York State resident, and
You included at least one approved New York State college on your FAFSA.
A supplemental award to TAP for NY Residents only.
