New York State

In New York State, the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) administers two state-funded financial aid programs for undergraduate students, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program. You must meet certain state-regulated requirements to qualify for New York State aid.

You must have been a New York State resident for 12 consecutive months before you enrolled in the program for which you are seeking a New York State grant. Living in New York State for the sole purpose of attending college does not constitute residency for the purposes of state financial aid requirements.

You must meet HESC's Ability to Benefit requirement to receive New York State financial aid. You can establish Ability to Benefit by graduating from high school or receiving a GED in the United States. If you do not meet this criterion, you may be able to establish Ability to Benefit by demonstrating that you have completed 24 Core College Credits, as defined by HESC, or by passing the HESC Ability to Benefit Test. For more information, please contact HESC.

New York State Grant Programs

The Tuition Assistance Program is New York's largest grant program. It helps eligible New York State residents pay for tuition at in-state postsecondary institutions. Students' eligibility and the amount awarded by TAP are based on students' New York State taxable income and that of their families. Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible.

The Aid for Part-Time Study program provides tuition assistance for undergraduates studying part-time (3 to 11 credits) at in-state postsecondary institutions. Eligibility is based on student and family income.