Our Best Answer: What is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?

TAP--Tuition Assistance Program

TAP is New York State's largest grant program. It helps eligible New York residents attending in-state post-secondary institutions pay for tuition. Awards range from $500 to $4,800 per year at LaGuardia. TAP is a grant; therefore, it does not have to be paid back. 

Your Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award amount is determined by:

• Academic year in which first payment of TAP or any state award is received
• Type of postsecondary institution and the tuition charge
• Combined family NYS taxable income; federal, state or local pension income; and private pension and annuity income, if applicable
• Financial status (dependent or independent)
• Other family members enrolled in college

You can be part-time or full-time, enrolled in 6 or more credits minimum toward your major per semester in order to receive TAP.

• Full-time TAP
• Part-Time TAP (PTAP)
• Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
• New York State Part-Time Scholarship Award

For more information, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.