TAP awards are based on New York State net taxable income and tuition charges. Final determination of awards is made as a result of the completion of the Express Tap Application (ETA) each year and funding levels are dependent on the New York State Budget.
Be sure you meet your academic obligations by reviewing the Tuition Assistance Program Satisfactory Academic Progress (PDF).
Your TAP award amount can depend on the following:
- Academic year in which first payment of TAP or any state award is received.
- Type of postsecondary institution and the tuition charge.
- Combined family NYS net taxable income and Federal, State or local pension income, if applicable.
- Financial status (dependent or independent).
- Other family members enrolled in college.
Visit the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) page for more information.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a TAP award, you must:
- Be a legal resident of NY State and have resided in NY State for 12 continuous months
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
- Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
- Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing with at least a "C" average as of the 4th semester payment
- Be enrolled as a full-time student taking twelve or more credits applicable toward the degree program, per semester*
- Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
- Meet income eligibility requirements
- Not be in default on any state or federal student loans and not be in default on any repayment of State awards
- Be in compliance with the terms of any service condition imposed by a NYS award
*Credit-bearing courses in the student's minimum full-time course load (12 semester hours or the equivalent) must consist of courses applicable to the student's program of study as a general education requirement, major requirement, or elective.