New York State Aid: TAP, Excelsior, and What Most Parents Miss
New York offers strong state aid — but it doesn’t work like federal aid. Most families only know about TAP or Excelsior, but there are a few hidden grants worth knowing. The catch? You usually have to stay in-state and meet extra rules.
💡 Key deadline: File your FAFSA and complete the TAP application by June 30. Some grants have separate forms — earlier is better.
💵 Major New York Grants & Scholarships
| Program | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) | Need-based grant up to ~$5,665/year for in-state students attending approved NY colleges. You’ll be prompted to start the TAP application immediately after submitting the FAFSA — don’t skip it. |
| Excelsior Scholarship | Covers full SUNY/CUNY tuition if family income is under $125,000. You’ll need to live and work in New York after college to keep the grant — otherwise, it turns into a loan. |
| AIMS Scholarship | For children of workers who died in 9/11 attacks — covers up to full cost of attendance at public colleges. |
| STEM Incentive Program | Full SUNY/CUNY tuition for top high school grads who major in STEM and agree to work in NY for 5 years after graduation. |
| Enhanced Tuition Awards | Up to $6,000/year for students attending private NY colleges that opt into the program. Requires NY residency. |
🎓 Tip: Most programs require you to stay in New York after college — or repay the grant. Read the fine print.
⚠️ Heads up: Excelsior and STEM grants aren’t free rides unless you meet the work-back requirement. Don’t sign without understanding the fine print.
📝 How to Apply
- File the FAFSA (opens Oct 1; apply ASAP).
- Complete the TAP application immediately after filing FAFSA.
- Apply separately for Excelsior, STEM, or Enhanced Tuition via the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at hesc.ny.gov.
- Track your status in your HESC account.
🏫 New York Colleges
- St. John’s University
- University at Albany (SUNY)
- University at Buffalo (SUNY)
- Stony Brook University (SUNY)
- Binghamton University (SUNY)
- Maritime College (SUNY)
- Hofstra University
- Wagner University
- Siena College
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- City College of New York (CUNY)
- Baruch College (CUNY)
- Hunter College (CUNY)
- Queens College (CUNY)
- Syracuse University
- Iona University
🧰 Don’t Miss This
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- ✔️ A checklist of what to do (and when)
- ✔️ A college cost estimator that actually makes sense
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