Hochul celebrates 50th anniversary of New York State Tuition Assistance Program, opens program application

TAP has provided $30 billion in financial aid to more than 6 million since start of program

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application is now open for applicants for the 2024-25 school year.

A press release noted, “The New York State Tuition Assistance Program remains one of the nation's largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. Since its inception in 1974, the tuition assistance program has provided nearly $30 billion to help more than 6 million New Yorkers to help make college more affordable and accessible.”

Hochul said, “New York state has long recognized the importance of investing in education and providing access to quality higher education opportunities. Over the last 50 years, TAP has been instrumental in helping students from low-income families, first-generation college students, and other learners achieve their academic aspirations. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of New York's students through this critical program."

TAP is available to full-time and part-time matriculated learners who study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York. The press release stated, “With a maximum TAP award of $5,665, the program provides crucial financial support to students who may otherwise not be able to afford a college education. In the 2020-21 school year alone, over 250,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $700 million in tuition assistance through TAP.

“To help students navigate the financial aid process and apply early, the 2024-25 TAP application will be opening prior to the release of the FAFSA. Students do not need to wait until the FAFSA is released to apply for TAP. The early release allows students to get a jump start on the NYS financial aid process and ensure they are well-positioned to succeed in their academic pursuits. The FAFSA is expected to open in December, at which time students who have already completed their TAP application can finish their financial aid process by submitting the FAFSA.”

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “TAP’s 50th anniversary signifies a half-century of enabling countless individuals to access and benefit from higher education. On this monumental occasion, we underscore the impact of expanding educational opportunities for all and promoting socioeconomic mobility in the state. When we make education more attainable, we are able to foster a more diverse and skilled workforce as well as more informed and engaged citizens, ultimately contributing to societal progress and economic growth across New York state.”

New York State Higher Education Services Corp. President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “We are proud to celebrate 50 years of TAP and the thousands of students who have benefited from this program. TAP provides need-based grants that help ease the financial burden of college tuition for eligible students. The program serves as a lifeline for students from households with limited financial resources, enabling them to access the education they deserve. Without TAP, many students would not have the means to attend college, let alone graduate and pursue rewarding careers.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, " There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and for 50 years the tuition assistance program has opened the doors of higher education to make college possible. Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, 53% of full-time NY-resident SUNY undergraduates attend tuition free thanks to TAP and other financial aid."

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “For 50 years, TAP has been transformative for CUNY students, and I urge all qualified students to apply for this financial assistance as the application season opens this week for the 2024-25 school year. This critically needed program continues to provide students with a pathway toward social mobility and better-paying jobs while uplifting New York. We thank Gov. Hochul for her leadership in making it possible for countless CUNY students to achieve their academic and professional goals.”

Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. website to explore other options available to help pay for college.

For more information on eligibility requirements or to apply for TAP, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/tap. Students can also visit HESC’s virtual drop-in lounge to get their questions answered and receive assistance completing their TAP application. Visit https://startheregetthere.ny.gov/events to view the dates and hours.

The 2024-25 TAP application is open to new and returning students entering college in the fall 2024 term. Students eligible for TAP under the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act can apply here. Applications will be accepted through June 2025. Students currently attending college for the 2023-24 school year can still apply for TAP through June 2024 here.