Grants

Federal Grants

Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree.

To determine eligibility, a student needs to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information reported and the formula produces an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) figure. This figure will determine if a student is eligible for a Pell Grant. If eligible, the figure will also determine how much the Pell amount will be.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

An FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need-that is, students with the lowest estimated family contribution - and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. FSEOG doesn't have to be paid back.

To determine eligibility, a student needs to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

There is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive an FSEOG. Students at each school will be awarded these funds based on fund availability at that school. The amount a student receives depends on the funding level and the policies of the Financial Aid Office.


Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant

This merit-based grant is available to freshmen who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. In order to receive the grant, you must be a full-time student, a U.S. citizen, and have graduated from a "rigorous high school curriculum". The grant is also available to sophomores who met the criteria as a freshman and maintained at least a "B" average (3.0 GPA) at the end of their freshman year.

 

State Grants

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. TAP is a grant and it does not have to be paid back.

To be eligible for TAP, a student must:

  • Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen.
  • Be a legal resident of New York State.
  • Study full time (at least 12 credits per semester) at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State.
  • Have graduated from high school, or have a GED, or have passed a federally-approved exam demonstrating the student can benefit from the education offered.
  • Be matriculated in an approved program of study and continue to make satisfactory academic progress.
  • Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments.
  • Be charged at least $200 tuition per year.
  • Meet income eligibility limitations.

To apply, a student should Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is recommended that students apply using FAFSA-on-the-Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. After you file the FAFSA, you will be able to link to the TAP website, www.tapweb.org.

There are income limits attached to the determination of TAP awards:

  • Dependent undergraduate students or students who are married or have tax dependents - $80,000 NYS net taxable income.
  • Single independent undergraduate students with no dependents - $10,000 NYS net taxable income.
  • Single independent graduate students with no dependents - $5,666 NYS net taxable income.
  • Dependent graduate students or independent graduate students who are married or have tax dependents - $20,000 NYS net taxable income.

Amounts of the award are determined by:

  • Academic year in which first payment of TAP or any state award is received.
  • Type of postsecondary institution and the tuition charged.
  • Combined family NYS net taxable income.
  • Financial status (dependent or independent).
  • Other family members enrolled in college.

Undergraduate students enrolled in four-year programs may receive up to four years (eight payments) of assistance for full-time study, and up to five years (ten payments) of assistance in an approved specialized program.

Although an estimate of a student's eligibility may be included on their award letter, the state's notification is their official approved award. If a student needs to make any corrections, they should follow the directions on the Change Form provided by NYSHESC.