TAP (New York State Tuition Assistance Program) is a program in the state of New York that awards grants to students who meet certain criteria in order to help pay for college. Depending on the need, a maximum of up to $5,000 can be awarded annually for a student. The program does not apply to students who go to all schools. In order to receive the benefits of the TAP program, the school must be an approved school within the state of New York.
There is also a part-time TAP program, that is in place for students seeking education from post-secondary schools who attend on a part time basis. Funds received as a part of this program will generally be less than for students in the full-time program .
According to the HESC website, there are a number of criteria that must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for TAP funds. The requirements include the following: US Citizenship, being a New York State resident, prospective study at an approved New York State school, completion of high school/GED program, enrolled as a full-time student at the institution (enrolled in 12 credit hours or more), have a declared major 30 days within the drop/add course date, be charged at least $200 a semester for tuition, maintain a "C" GPA, meet income eligibility requirements, and not be in default of a HESC student loan.
To apply for a TAP grant, the applicant will need to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file for the fiscal year in which she is applying. Until a current FAFSA is on file, HESCA will not notify the student of the availability of the online application. Once the online application is submitted, HESCA will notify the student of their eligibility for the TAP program. The award amount will depend on a number of things, such as the annual family/household income of the student, the year in which the student applies, whether the student is considered financially dependent or independent, and the type of school that the student has decided to attend.