Columbia University Student Financial Services

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Legal residents of New York State who are enrolled in a full-time degree program of at least 12 points a term, or the equivalent, may be eligible for awards under the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The amount of the award depends on program, family income, financial status (dependent or independent) and number of family members enrolled in college. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for TAP, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen 
  
• Be a legal resident of New York State
  
• Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
  
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing
  
• Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
  
• Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
• Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards
• Meet income eligibility limitations
  

Receiving TAP

Your school will estimate your TAP award based on the information you provide to the school. The school will verify your information and then calculate an estimated TAP award. Your actual TAP award, calculated by HESC, may differ from the estimate if any discrepancies arise during the verification process (i.e. income, cost of attendance, family members in school, etc.). To get an idea of your potential TAP award, use the TAP Award Estimator.

You will receive an email directing you to the HESC website to view information about and the status of your TAP award.

Your school will see your information on a roster listing students that have received an award for attendance at that school. The school must verify your eligibility and certify your award. The TAP funds will be sent to the school, usually within three to five weeks, after the school certifies your eligibility with New York State.

If your school needs confirmation of how much your TAP award will be before the roster is sent, print your account information from the HESC Web site and provide a copy to the school.

Aid for Part-Time Study

The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies.

Eligibility

To be considered for an APTS award, you must: 

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be a legal resident of New York State 
• Have graduated from a high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
  
• Be enrolled as a part-time student
  
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study in a participating New York State postsecondary institution
  
• Be in good academic standing
• Be charged at least $100 tuition per year
  
• Not have exhausted Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility
• Not be in default on any Federal or State student loan or on any repayment of state awards
• Meet income eligibility limitations

For More Information

For more information on TAP or APTS, please visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).