The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York State residents attending in-state post-secondary institutions pay for tuition. TAP grants are based on applicant’s and his or her family’s NYS taxable income.
The TAP grant is administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). The applicant can apply by using the Express TAP application link on the FAFSA, or directly at Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
TAP awards are limited to eight (8) semesters of study. Six (6) of these semesters can be used at a two year college. Once the state has determined that the applicant is not in default on any loan guaranteed by HESC or any repayment of state Awards and is in- come eligible, a roster of eligible applicants will be sent to SUNY Broome for certification.
Students must be:
- a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
- a resident of New York State
- a graduate from a high school in the United States, or earned a GED. Foreign High School Diplomas are not acceptable. Proof of foreign post-secondary education may satisfy this requirement.
- matriculated in a state approved program of study
- enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits
- meeting good academic standing requirements.
Full-Time Requirement
The TAP certification process will start after attendance has been submitted for full-term courses. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. If enrolled in late starting classes, certification will be pending until attendance is submitted for the later part-of-term course. The minimum credits that must apply towards the student’s degree program is based on the following chart:
| Semester | Payment Level | Min Credits* to Apply to Degree |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 6 credits ** |
| 2 | 12 | 6 credits |
| 3 | 18 | 9 credits |
| 4 | 24 | 9 credits |
| 5 | 30 | 12 credits |
| 6 | 36 | 12 credits |
*College Level Credits Pertaining to Primary Degree
**Remedial students must complete 3 credits that apply to their degree.
Definition of Remedial Student
A Remedial Student is defined as a student:
- whose scores on a recognized college placement exam indicates the need for remediation for at least two semesters; or
- who was enrolled in at least 6 credits of remedial courses in the first semester they received a TAP award; or
- who is or was enrolled in an Opportunity Program (EOP).
Repeated courses
Courses in which the student has already received a passing grade cannot be included in meeting full-time study requirements (12 credits) unless the previous passing grade is not acceptable in their program.
Satisfactory Academic Standing
Students must also meet standards of Pursuit of Program (POP) and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) . Based on the number of TAP payments received the student must:
- earn a designated number of credits in the prior semester (POP)*;
- earn a specific cumulative overall credits (SAP); and
- achieve a cumulative minimum grade point average (SAP).
* Please Note S and U grades will not count towards credits earned in the prior semester nor will they count in calculation of GPA. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for specific eligibility questions.
NYS TAP standards for students first receiving TAP payments in 2010 and thereafter (non-remedial students)
| Payment | Level | Earned Prior Semester |
Cum. Earned Credits |
Cum. GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 1.3 |
| 3 | 18 | 6 | 15 | 1.5 |
| 4 | 24 | 9 | 27 | 1.8 |
| 5 | 30 | 9 | 39 | 2.0 |
| 6 | 36 | 12 | 51 | 2.0 |
NYS TAP standards for students first receiving TAP payments prior to 2009—2010 and for Remedial Students.
| Payment | Level | Earned Prior Semester |
Cum. Earned Credits |
Cum. GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 12 | 6 ** | 3 | .5 |
| 3 | 18 | 6 | 9 | .75 |
| 4 | 24 | 9 | 18 | 1.3 |
| 5 | 30 | 9 | 30 | 2.0 |
| 6 | 36 | 12 | 45 | 2.0 |
**3 credits for remedial student
Satisfactory Academic Standing Waivers
TAP recipients who fall below the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards can apply for a one time waiver. Such a waiver can only be granted once during the student’s undergraduate career. Appeals are an option for unforeseen, extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students must go to the Financial Aid office to complete a NYS TAP Waiver Form, include any supporting documentation, and make an appointment with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. A waiver is neither automatic nor an entitlement, and all decisions are final.
Reinstatement of Good Academic Standing
Students who have lost good academic standing may restore this standing in one of the following ways:
- Make up past academic deficiencies by completing one or more terms without receiving TAP payments; or
- Be readmitted to school after an absence of at least one calendar year; or
- Transfer to another institution; or
- Be granted a one-time waiver.
Students with Disabilities
Effective with the 1998-99 academic year, students who are disabled, as defined by the 1990 federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), do not have to attend school full time to be eligible for TAP awards. These students are eligible for a partial TAP award if they are attending part time (at least three credits). Students must meet all other TAP eligibility requirements. Documentation must be on file in the Disability Support Services Department on campus.
For Matriculated Students: Part-Time TAP & Aid for Part Time Study
Part-Time TAP is available if a student has been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter. A student must have earned 12 credits or more in each of any two proceeding consecutive proceeding semesters, for a minimum total of 24 credits earned, and be currently enrolled in 6-11 credits, and have a current 2.0 GPA. Students must submit an application for Part-Time TAP following the same process as for full-time TAP. Part Time TAP is not the same as Aid for Part Time Study (APTS). Students should check with Financial Aid Office to see which is the best option for them.
For Non-Matriculated Students: Part-Time TAP
Non-matriculated students (those not enrolled in a degree program) taking microcredentials may be eligible for New York State Part-Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. For information on how to apply please visit the Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Credentials Information site.
Accelerated Study – For Summer Semester
To be eligible for an Accelerated Study TAP payment during a summer term, a student must currently be enrolled in 6-11 credits and have been a full-time student during the prior spring term. A student is eligible only upon earning 24 degree-applicable credits in the two terms prior to the accelerated study term with a minimum of 3 credits in remedial coursework per semester. Transfer credits are not applicable.
Questions
Certification Process
If you have questions regarding eligibility for TAP contact the Financial Aid office in Student Services Building, Room 111, 607-778-5028 option 8
Remittance Process
TAP awards are usually applied to the students account around the end of the semester. Remittance of TAP awards will take approximately 2-3 weeks after certification by the Financial Aid Office. If you have questions regarding the Remittance Process contact the Financial Aid Office in SS111, 607-778-5028
