NY Priority: Reducing TAP Distinctions for Dependent and Independent Students

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is New York’s primary aid program, accounting for 80 percent of state awards to students attending public, private nonprofit, and for-profit higher education institutions in the state. TAP is available to state residents attending two-year or four-year degree granting programs, as well as students attending approved non-degree credential programs full time or part time. TAP is a critical program, enabling students who are low-income to afford college. Awards should be equitably determined based on the student’s financial needs.