Unless otherwise indicated, information about these programs and other funding opportunities can be obtained from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12255. You may also call them at 1-888-NYS-HESC or visit their website at www.hesc.com.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is an entitlement grant program for New York State residents attending postsecondary institutions in the state. Undergraduate students are eligible for up to four years (8 semesters) of assistance for full-time study or up to five years in certain programs. To be eligible, the student must: enroll for 12 credit hours per semester (6 credit hours during summer session) at a college or school in New York State; meet income requirements; be a New York State resident; be either a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen; be matriculated in an approved program and be making satisfactory academic progress (satisfactory academic progress requirements are listed later in this section); be charged a tuition of $200 or more per year; and have no debt from a previously defaulted student loan or have established a satisfactory repayment plan. Awards vary according to financial status, tuition charge, type of institution attended, family NYS net taxable income, the academic year in which the student receives first payment and if other family members attend college. The award cannot exceed tuition. Students must apply each academic year by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and a Tuition Assistance Program application.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, students must be part-time, first-time freshmen in the 2006-2007 academic year or thereafter, have earned 12 credits or more in each of the two consecutive semesters for a minimum total of 24 credits earned, and maintain a “C” average. The basic eligibility is the same as the Tuition Assistance Program with the exception of enrollment status. Part-Time TAP requires students to be enrolled for at least 6 but less than 12 credit hours per semester. Students must apply each academic year by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Tuition Assistance Program application.
Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
The Aid for Part-Time Study program provides awards of up to $1,000 per semester (or tuition, whichever is less) for New York State residents studying part-time in an undergraduate program at participating degree-granting schools in New York State. Unlike the TAP program, Aid for Part-Time Study is not an entitlement program. The college selects recipients based on NYS net taxable income and determines individual award amounts. The basic eligibility criteria is the same as the Tuition Assistance Program with the exception of enrollment status. APTS requires a student to be enrolled for at least three, but less than twelve credit hours per semester. Students must apply each academic year by completing an Aid for Part-Time Study application obtained in the Financial Aid Office.
Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship
This program provides an annual award for students, either at the bachelor or master’s degree level, who enter into a contract with HESC agreeing to teach full time for five years in the field of math or science in a middle or secondary school in New York. The annual award cannot exceed SUNY tuition. Awards will be made upon the successful completion of the academic year.
Veterans Tuition Award
This program provides financial assistance to help Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or other eligible veterans studying on either a full-time or part-time basis at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution. For full-time study (12 credit hours), a recipient shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. For part-time study (3-12 credit hours), awards will be prorated by credit hour. If a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award is also received, the combined academic year award cannot exceed tuition. Undergraduate students can receive a total of 4 years of payment for full-time or part-time study. Graduate students can receive a total of 3 years of payment for full-time or part-time study.
Air/Army National Guard and N.Y. Naval Militia Incentive Program
Matriculated undergraduate students who are members in good standing of the Army/Air National Guard or the N.Y. Naval Militia may be eligible for a tuition voucher equal to the tuition cost remaining after all other student aid, except loans, is applied against the undergraduate in-state tuition rate. More information can be obtained by contacting the unit commander.
Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
These awards are provided to students whose parent(s) have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency.
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
This program provides financial aid to children, spouses, or financial dependents of deceased/disabled persons who have died, or who have become severely and permanently disabled, and survivors who were severely and permanently disabled during the September 11th attacks or rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, Pentagon or on flights 11, 77, 93, or 175.
Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Police Officers, Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers
These awards are for children and spouses of police officers, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical service workers who served in New York State and who died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The amount is based on tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance per year for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study.
Aid to Native Americans
The applicant must be: (1) on an official tribal roll of a New York State tribe or the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe, and a resident of New York State; (2) enrolled in an approved New York State postsecondary program, and (3) maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the Commissioner’s Regulations. Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Room 465EBA, Albany, NY 12234. Additional information can be obtained by contacting them at (518) 474-0537.
Scholarship for Academic Excellence
This academically competitive program provides scholarship assistance to outstanding New York State high school graduates based on grades in certain Regents exams. Students must (1) have graduated from a New York State high school; (2) study full-time and be matriculated in an undergraduate program in a New York State college; (3) be making satisfactory academic progress; (4) not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC; (5) be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen; and (6) be a New York State resident. Up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 are awarded to top scholars in the state, and up to 6,000 scholarships of $500 each are awarded to other outstanding graduates. To apply, see your high school guidance counselor.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The Educational Opportunity Program provides assistance to New York State residents who are academically and financially disadvantaged, according to state guidelines. Tutoring, personal counseling, career planning and financial assistance are available for all enrolled students. EOP offers higher education opportunities to freshmen and transfer applicants. Freshmen candidates do not meet normally applied admissions criteria, but must have the potential for post-secondary academic success. Transfer candidates must have previously been enrolled in EOP, the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP), the Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge Program (SEEK), the College Discovery Program, or a similar academic and financial support program.
Applicants interested in applying for EOP consideration can do so via the common application or SUNY application for undergraduate admission. For transfer candidates, admissions criteria and procedures are the same as other students. Subsequently, freshmen and transfer applicants must submit supplemental materials supplied by the Admissions and EOP Offices to determine their eligibility. Questions regarding EOP can be directed to the EOP Office by calling (315) 792-7805.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services is based upon: (1) the presence of a physical or mental disability which, for the individual, constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment; and (2) the reasonable expectation that vocational rehabilitation services may benefit the individual in terms of employability. Further information is available from the nearest NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).
Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of American Airlines Flight 587’s crash in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens, NY on the morning of November 12, 2001. The basic eligibility is the same as the Tuition Assistance Program with the exception of residency. The award amount is based on tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance per year for up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study. The total of all aid received cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.
Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009. This program will help families who lost loved ones cover the cost of attending college in New York State. The basic eligibility is the same as the Tuition Assistance Program with the exception of residency. The award amount is based on tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance per year for up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study. The total of all aid received cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.
Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS)
This scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the US or state organized militia who, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, while NYS residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. The basic eligibility is the same as the Tuition Assistance Program. The award amount is based on tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance per year for up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study. The total of all aid received cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.