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THE FACTS ON TAP AND THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL
The Governor has proposed that the state withhold one-third of all Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants and only release those funds when a student graduates. The Governor argues that this will enhance student "performance." The Governor's plan will only make it harder for needy students to afford college and will force them to take out loans to fill the gap left in their TAP award under the Governor's plan. It is a plan that should be opposed. The Governor's plan is not only unfair to students; it ignores the reality that TAP is already tied to student performance. In reality, the Governor's plan is just a fiscal gimmick to save the state money now and pay its obligations later. Here is the background on the TAP's performance standards already in place. The Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, is financial aid granted to New York State students who attend New York's public and private colleges and universities based on a sliding income scale. The lower the income of the student and her family, the greater the size of the financial assistance. TAP may be used by eligible students to cover tuition costs, but students cannot use the grant money to fund other college expenses such as fees, room and board, or books. Since TAP's inception in 1974, more than three million students have received over $9 billion towards their college education. Currently, nearly 60% of full-time students statewide receive TAP.
TAP-eligible students can only receive support for a fixed number of years. Undergraduate students enrolled in four-year programs may receive up to four years of assistance for full-time study, and up to five years of assistance in an approved, specialized program (such as remediation). Students must maintain good grades. Students must maintain, at least, a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments. In addition, students must be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing. TAP-eligible students must maintain full-time status. Students
must study full time (at least 12 credits per semester) at an approved
post-secondary institution in New York State. Undergraduate TAP: Graduate TAP: Compiled by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).
For more information contact Miriam Kramer top of page | media index | higher education home page | nypirg home |
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