Governor Hochul Celebrates 50th Anniversary of New York State Tuition Assistance Program and Opens Program Application

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program, Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this week announced that the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application is now open for applicants for the 2024-2025 school year. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program remains one of the nation’s largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. Since its inception in 1974, the Tuition Assistance Program has provided nearly $30 billion dollars to help more than 6 million New Yorkers to help make college more affordable and accessible.

“New York State has long recognized the importance of investing in education and providing access to quality higher education opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “Over the last 50 years, TAP has been instrumental in helping students from low-income families, first-generation college students, and other learners achieve their academic aspirations. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of New York’s students through this critical program.”

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is available to full-time and part-time matriculated learners who study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State. With a maximum TAP award of $5,665, the program provides crucial financial support to students who may otherwise not be able to afford a college education. In the 2020-21 school year alone, over 250,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $700 million in tuition assistance through TAP.

Students do not need to wait until the FAFSA is released to apply for TAP

To help students navigate the financial aid process and apply early, the 2024-25 TAP application will be opening prior to the release of the FAFSA. Students do not need to wait until the FAFSA is released to apply for TAP. The early release allows students to get a jump start on the NYS Financial aid process and ensure they are well-positioned to succeed in their academic pursuits. The FAFSA is expected to open in December, at which time students who have already completed their TAP application can finish their financial aid process by submitting the FAFSA.