Hochul announces launch of TAP eligibility for SUNY & CUNY workforce development programs

TAP expansion provides financial aid to non-degree students pursuing high-demand, growing fields

√ 283 TAP-eligible programs across 32 SUNY campuses beginning spring semester 2024; CUNY pilot this spring with 43 courses set for fall 2024

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the first-ever Tuition Assistance Program eligibility to cover hundreds of SUNY and CUNY non-degree programs that lead to jobs in high-demand, growing fields. Her team said, “The expansion builds on the support offered through TAP, New York state’s 50-year-old financial assistance program, which provides direct aid to students.”

She explained, “Tuition assistance for workforce development opportunities will help ease a path to rewarding and successful careers for low- and middle-income families. Giving all New Yorkers the opportunity to obtain good-paying jobs showcases my administration’s commitment to invest in our future workforce, our economy and a strong and prosperous future for all New Yorkers."

Beginning in the spring 2024 semester, non-degree-seeking students in 283 programs across 32 SUNY campuses may be eligible for TAP for the first time. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. has provided each campus with a letter to send to all students who may be eligible for financial aid thanks to the governor’s program. CUNY will also have a pilot program for five courses this semester, and is set to provide 43 courses in the fall 2024 semester. Students meeting eligibility requirements may be eligible for part-time TAP for up to 11 credits per semester.

More information about eligible SUNY courses is available here; and here for information about CUNY programs.

Hochul’s team said, “If students later matriculate toward a degree program, they will be granted full credit for the work they completed as part of this program.”

King said, “Gov. Hochul continues to lead the crucial expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program to help more New Yorkers get the education and training they need to qualify for high-growth careers. There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are proud to support students pursuing careers in high-demand, growing fields on their path to upward mobility and, hopefully, ultimately earning a college degree.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "This expansion of tuition assistance for non-degree programs is an incredible step toward equity in higher education. Tens of thousands of CUNY’s students are in non-degree classes, students who are taking steps to broaden their horizons and, in some cases, putting them on the path to enrollment. By making TAP available to them, we are encouraging New Yorkers to pursue professional credentials that lead to competitive jobs and offering them credit should they decide to matriculate. This is a win-win for New York, and we are grateful to Gov. Hochul for investing in all our students.”

New York State Higher Education Services Corp. President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “By expanding TAP eligibility to include hundreds of non-degree programs in high-demand, growing fields, we are opening doors for non-matriculated students to gain the skills they need to enter the workforce and pursue fulfilling careers. This is an important step in promoting economic growth and addressing the critical labor needs of our state. Through TAP, we are investing in the future of our workforce and ensuring that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

The press release added, “For students who have already submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and TAP application for the 2023-24 academic year, TAP awards as reported by the student’s campus will be adjusted based on the number of enrolled credits. Other students interested in non-degree programs can fill out their 2023-24 FAFSA today and link directly from their FAFSA summary page to complete the 2023-24 NYS TAP application. Students who completed their FAFSA can apply by completing the TAP application here.

“Eligibility for part-time TAP for non-degree programs is consistent with other full-time and part-time TAP awards, which includes residency and income requirements. TAP awards do not need to be repaid by any recipient.

“New York state TAP is 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. During the 2022-23 academic year, 234,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $662 million in tuition assistance awards.

“New York’s generous investment in student financial aid, including TAP and Excelsior Scholarships, helped over 176,000 New York state residents. Fifty eight percent of full-time resident undergraduate students attended SUNY and CUNY tuition-free in 2022, including 52% at SUNY state-operated campuses and 67% at CUNY colleges. New York also enacted the Senator José Peralta DREAM Act in 2019, which provides undocumented New Yorkers and other students access to TAP and other New York state administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education costs. Students can learn more about that here.”

HESC is New York state’s student financial aid agency.