In New York State, residents can take advantage of TAP or the Tuition Assistance Program. TAP helps New York students pay for their college education at in-state post secondary schools. The best part is the money awarded to these students is in the form of grants, or money that does not have to be paid back. If a student is a resident of New York State and is seeking college financial aid for this upcoming school year, please read on.
Financial Aid Information for College Grant Money
TAP is only available to New York State (NYS) residents. If a student has residence in another state, but goes to school in New York, s/he cannot receive TAP financial aid.
Students who are residents of NYS can apply for TAP at a pre-approved list of NYS universities and post secondary schools. For example, schools on the list include:
- SUNY colleges or State University of New York
- CUNY colleges or City University of New York
- Independent NYS schools such as New York University, Pace Univ., Sarah Lawrence, Pratt Institute, etc.
Here is a full list of TAP independent schools.
Students must apply for TAP before the school year begins. Students can be either undergraduates or graduate students to apply – it depends on the individual school if it extends TAP to its graduate students as well. To apply, fill out and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Then click on the NYS resident link and fill out the electronic TAP application. After submitting the TAP application, it takes up to 10 days to receive an email confirmation.
Students must be in a full-time, matriculated program and take 12 credits or more per semester. Students must be in good academic standing as well. At least a C average should be maintained. Students must pay $200 or more for tuition per year.
Educational Financial Aid Award Amount
NYS bases its award amounts on NYS taxable income and federal, state or local pension income of each individual student and/or household. Financial status also matters – in other words, whether a student is dependent or independent. The price of the school matters greatly; for example, NYU is more much costly than a CUNY or SUNY. NYS also takes into account if other family members in the student's household are in college.
The 2010-11 school year is especially tricky, due to the NYS state budget not being passed. NYS cannot give out TAP awards until the budget is passed, thus there have been delays in the process. Many students remain in limbo, since they are already receiving bills from their college, but do not have the TAP award to pay. NYS recommends to discuss any billing concerns with the college, and assures students the colleges are well aware of this budgeting issue.
The highest TAP award amount is $5000, although amounts can vary greatly.
NYS residents should take advantage of TAP financial aid. Make sure to apply along with the FAFSA to see if the student will receive the grant. NYS provides this money for students to go to school, so why not use it?
This article, Obama Moms Back to School Grant, discusses how mothers (and fathers) can receive federal grant money.
This article, Free Tuition with NJ Waiver Program, discusses how to receive free college tuition from the next state over.
This article, Tuition-Free Colleges, provides multiple options for full scholarship schools.
Jennifer Ciotta - Jennifer Ciotta is the author of I, Putin (Vladimir Putin novel): http://vladimirputinnovel.com.
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