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THE FACTS ON TAP

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program

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. 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.

Under the TAP program, a college student's family income is based on the previous year's income: the lower the income, the higher the award, up to $5,000 or full tuition at SUNY ($4,350 in 2005-06 for senior college students) and CUNY ($4,000 in 2005-06 for senior college students; $2,800 for community college students).

In his 2006-2007 Executive Budget, Governor Pataki recommends decreasing funding for TAP by $189.9 million. The governor proposes that students take a course load of 15 credits per semester to qualify for TAP awards, compared to the current 12 credits. Students who enroll in or complete 12, 13, or 14 credits per semester would receive a 20% reduction to their reward. In addition, colleges would be required to pre-finance TAP awards for first-time applicants without high school diplomas; the colleges would then be reimbursed for the pre-financing costs once the students complete 24 credits. The 2006-2007 Executive Budget also proposes that all students in default on federal student loans would be ineligible for TAP, regardless of the loan guarantor. Previously, students in default were only ineligible if the loan was guaranteed by HESC.

CURRENT TAP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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.

Other requirements. In order to receive TAP, students must not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC and not be in default on any repayment of state awards.

TAP is an entitlement program. Students must meet income eligibility limitations in order to receive aid:

Undergraduate TAP: Graduate TAP:
Minimum award level: $500 Minimum award level: $75
Maximum award level: $5,000 Maximum award level: $550
Income eligibility ceiling: $80,000           Income eligibility ceiling: $20,000

Compiled by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). www.nypirg.org

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