• New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Other New York State Programs

New York State Programs

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Application Procedures

Applicants must apply annually to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255, no later than May 1 for the academic year. Students can apply for TAP by using the express TAP application (ETA). The ETA is generated by HESC and mailed to the student after the student files the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available at any high school guidance office or college financial aid office.

Before submitting the application, the applicant should review it with a high school counselor or college financial aid officer to be sure the information is complete and accurate.

HESC determines the applicant's eligibility and mails an award certificate directly to the applicant indicating the amount of the grant. Ithaca College will normally provide a temporary deferment of payment based on an estimate of the applicant's TAP award or the TAP amount on the award certificate from HESC. As long as Ithaca College is listed on the HESC award certificate, it is not necessary to submit this document to the College. Actual payment is received after the College certifies the student's eligibility.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. The applicant must be a New York State resident and (1) be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, paroled refugee, or conditional entrant to the United States; (2) be matriculated full-time in an approved New York State postsecondary program; (3) have, if dependent, a family net taxable income below $80,001, or if independent and single with no tax dependents, a net taxable income below $10,001; and (4) be charged a tuition of at least $200 per year. The income measure is the family's or independent student's state net taxable income from the preceding tax year plus certain nontaxable income and, for dependent students, support from divorced or separated parents. This income may be further adjusted to reflect other family members enrolled full time in postsecondary study. All income information is subject to verification with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Independent Status

The 2002-2003 definition of independent status is as follows:

1. 35 years of age or older as of June 30, 2001; or

2. honorably discharged from the United States armed forces, not claimed as a dependent by either parent on state or federal income tax returns for 2001, and will not be so claimed for 2002; or

3. under 35 years of age as of June 30, 2002, not a veteran, and not

a) resident for more than six weeks in an apartment, house, or building owned or leased by your parents in 1999, 2000, or 2001;

b) claimed as a dependent by parents on their federal or state income tax returns for 2001 or 2002;

c) a recipient of gifts, loans, or other financial assistance in excess of $750 from parents during 2001, 2002, or 2003; or

4. under 22 years of age as of June 30, 2001, being able to meet all of the basic conditions listed in the preceding item (3), and being able to meet and document at least one of the following conditions:

a) both parents deceased, disabled, or incompetent;

b) receiving public assistance other than Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) or food stamps;

c) ward of a court;

d) unable to ascertain parents' whereabouts;

e) unable, owing to an adverse family situation, to submit information on parents' income.

The New York State definition of independent status applicable to New York State aid programs is different from the federal definition of independent status applicable to federal and institutional aid programs.

Graduate students and married undergraduates are exempt from provision (4) in determining financial independence.

Undergraduate students generally receive TAP awards for four years of study. Students enrolled in approved five-year programs or in a state-sponsored opportunity program may receive undergraduate awards for five years. Graduate students may receive awards for four years. No student may receive awards for more than a total of eight years of undergraduate and graduate study.

Award Schedules

The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to type of school, level of study, tuition charge, and net taxable income. Seven award schedules are in effect and awards will be made according to the following award schedules during the 2002-03 academic year. Award schedules may be changed by subsequent legislative action. All income data reported are subject to verification by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the HESC.

Undergraduate Award Schedules

For students who are dependent on their parents, or who are financially independent and are married, or who have tax dependents. A $150 reduction in the annual award will be made after four semester payments (or the equivalent) have been received.

Schedule A - For students who received awards in the 1993-94 academic year or earlier. Maximum award $3,575 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500, if New York State net taxable income is $60,000-$80,000.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$7,000 or less	$0
7,001-11,000	7% of excess over $7,000
11,001-18,000	280 + 10% of excess over $11,000
18,001-80,000	980 + 12% of excess over $18,000
80,001 or more	No award

Schedule D - For first-time recipients in the 1994-95 through 1999-2000 academic years. Maximum award $4,125 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500 if New York State net taxable income is $60,000-$80,000.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$7,000 or less	$0
7,001-11,000	7% of excess over $7,000
11,001-18,000	280 + 10% of excess over $11,000
18,001-80,000	980 + 12% of excess over $18,000
80,001 or more	No award

Undergraduate Award Schedules

For students who are independent and single without dependents.

A $150 reduction in the annual award will be made after four semester payments (or the equivalent) have been received.

Schedule E - For first-time recipients in the 2000-2001 academic year and thereafter. Maximum award $5,000 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500 if New York State net taxable income is $60,000-$80,000.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$7,000 or less	$0
7,001-11,000	7% of excess over $7,000
11,001-18,000	280 + 10% of excess over $11,000
18,001-80,000	980 + 12% of excess over $18,000
80,001 or more	No award

Schedule K - For students who received awards in the 1991-92 academic year or earlier. Maximum award $2,450 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$3,000 or less	$0
3,001-10,000	31% of excess over $3,000
10,001 or more	No award

Schedule L - For first-time recipients in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 academic years. Maximum award $2,575 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$3,000 or less	$0
3,001-10,000	31% of excess over $3,000
10,001-or more	No award

Schedule M - For first-time recipients in the 1994-95 academic year and thereafter. Maximum award $3,025 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $500.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$3,000 or less	$0
3,001-10,000	31% of excess over $3,000
10,001-or more	No award

Graduate Award Schedules

Schedule U - For students who are dependent on their parents, or who are financially independent and are married, or who have tax dependents. Maximum award $640 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $75.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$2,000 or less	$0
2,001-20,000	7.7% of excess over $2,000
20,001 or more	No award

Schedule V - For students who are financially independent, single, and without tax dependents. Maximum award $550 or 95 percent of tuition, whichever is less; minimum award $75.

NYS net taxable income	Reduction in award
$1,000 or less	$0
1,001-5,666	26% of excess over $1,000
5,667 or more	No award

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p.288) in accordance with commissioner's regulations and must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC.

Source: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Other New York State Programs

Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Application Procedures

Contact the high school guidance office. Students who receive a scholarship must complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and a preprinted express TAP application (ETA). The ETA will be sent to the student by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Awards are based on academic excellence, measured by the weighted averages of students' scores on regents' exams taken prior to the senior year. Subject areas are comprehensive English, global studies, U.S. history/government, level-3 math, and science. For schools not offering the regents' exam in all five subject areas, awards will be based on criteria developed by the commissioner of education.

Responsibilities of Students

Eligible students must be high school graduates, enrolled in an approved program of study, be enrolled full-time, and maintain legal residence in New York State. They must maintain good academic standing (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288) and achieve and maintain at least a cumulative C average after having received the equivalent of two full years of state-sponsored financial aid. Recipients must be free of debt from a defaulted student loan and must not receive aid that duplicates the purposes of this scholarship or any scholarship that provides full cost of attendance. Any scholarship payments received as a result of failure to report such aid will have to be refunded.

Award Schedule

Awards are $1,500 to the top graduating senior of each high school in the state. Awards of $500 are made to other academically gifted students. Renewable up to four years, or five years in certain programs, scholarships must be used within seven years of being awarded.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

Application Procedures

Students apply for this campus-based program through Ithaca College's financial aid office.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

APTS is not an entitlement program. The College selects recipients and determines individual award amounts. To be eligible, students must (1) be enrolled part time in an approved undergraduate degree program in New York State (part-time for APTS is defined as enrollment for at least 3 but no more than 11 credits); (2) have earned at least 6 credits; (3) meet the income limits (if a student was not eligible to be claimed as a tax dependent, the student's net taxable income cannot exceed $34,250; if a student was claimed as a tax dependent, the family's net taxable income cannot exceed $50,550); (4) be a New York State resident; (5) be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or refugee; (6) apply for a federal Pell grant; (7) have a tuition charge of at least $100 per year; (8) have remaining TAP eligibility; and (9) not be in default on a student loan or owe a refund on a New York State scholarship or grant, or must have established a satisfactory repayment plan.

Award Schedule

The money available for all participating institutions is set each year in the state budget. The amount received by a particular college is determined by that school's percentage of the total part-time enrollment at all participating institutions. The determination of specific awards by Ithaca College is based on its allocation of funds.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p.288) in accordance with commissioner's regulations and must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

Application procedures

Print a copy of the application from www.hesc.com and submit it with the necessary documentation to HESC Scholarship Unit, 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12255.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Effective immediately and retroactive for the 2001-2002 academic year, undergraduate students who are full-time and matriculated in an approved program in New York State and meet requirements for the receipt of New York State grants and scholarships are eligible. Recipients need not be New York State residents or U.S. citizens to receive the scholarships.

World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships provide funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

At a private institution: an amount equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and average mandatory educational fees (or the student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies, and transportation.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Memorial Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters

Application Procedures

A special application is available upon request from the New York State HESC, Albany, NY 12255. Documentary evidence to establish eligibility is required with the application.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

This award provides financial assistance to children and spouses of deceased police officers, firefighters, and volunteer firefighters who served in New York State and died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Award Schedule

The amount of the award is equal to the actual tuition and room and board costs plus an allowance for books, supplies, and transportation or the same costs at a SUNY institution, whichever is less. The scholarship is reduced by any federal Pell grant or other federal- or state-funded scholarships or grants. Allowances used in the calculation of the scholarship are established by the commissioner of education and are reflective of average SUNY costs.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288) and must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC. To receive payment, in addition to filing a memorial scholarship supplement, the scholarship holder must also file an express TAP application with the New York State HESC each year and complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA ).

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Vietnam Veterans Tuition Awards

Application Procedures

Proof of Vietnam veteran status to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is required.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The recipient must currently be a New York State resident and have served in the U.S. armed forces in Indochina between December 22, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and have received other than a dishonorable discharge.

Award Schedule

A full-time award, combined with any Tuition Assistance Program award, cannot exceed tuition. If part-time, students must be enrolled for at least 3 but fewer than 12 credits per semester.

Maximum award for full-time attendance is $1,000 per semester, or $500 for part-time study.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288), must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC each year, and must complete the FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) and an express TAP application.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award

Application Process

The student must submit a Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award supplement form to the New York State HESC.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Funds

The recipient must currently be a New York State resident and have served in the U.S. armed forces in the hostilities that occurred in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990, to the end of such hostilities.

Award Schedule

For full-time study, $1,000 per semester. For part time study, $500 per semester.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288), must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC, and must complete the FAFSA, the express TAP application, and the Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award supplement.

Regents Award for Child of Veteran

Application Procedures

The student must submit a Child of Veteran Award supplement form with the New York State HESC prior to applying for payment.

Selection of Recipients and Allocations of Awards

The student must be a New York State resident at the start of the term for which payment is made. The student's parent or stepparent must have served in the U.S. armed forces during specified periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of service, have died or have suffered 40 percent or more disability or be classified as missing in action. Alternatively, the parent (the veteran) must have been a prisoner of war during the specified period of service. The veteran must currently be a New York State resident or have been a resident at the time of death, if the death occurred during or as a result of service.

Award Schedule

The award is $450 per year.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288) and must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the HESC. In addition to filing the Child of Veteran Award supplement, the scholarship holder must also file an express TAP application with the New York State HESC each year and complete the FAFSA.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Regents Awards - Child of Corrections Officers Award

Application Procedures

The student must submit a Child of Deceased Corrections Officer Award supplement form with the New York State HESC prior to applying for payment.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The student must be a New York State resident at the start of the term for which payment is made. The student's parent (the corrections officer) must have died as a result of injury sustained in the line of duty.

Award Schedule

The award is $450 per year.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288) and must not be in default of a loan guaranteed by the Higher Education Service Corporation. In addition to filing the Child of Deceased Corrections Officers Award supplement, the scholarship holder must also file an express TAP application with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation each year and complete the FAFSA.

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation, Albany, NY 12255.

Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships

Application Procedures

Application forms and information may be obtained from the New York State Education Department, Bureau of HEOP/VATEA/Scholarships, Education Building Addition, Room 1701, Albany, NY 12234.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Recipients must be in an approved program of study in New York State, be a New York State resident, and be a citizen or qualifying non-citizen of the United States. Selection is based upon the following priorities: the applicant is economically disadvantaged and a member of a minority group that is historically underrepresented in the chosen profession; the applicant is a member of a minority group that is historically underrepresented in the chosen profession; and, lastly, the applicant is enrolled in or graduated from the following opportunity programs: SEEK, CD, EOP, or HEOP.

Award Schedule

Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for up to four years of study.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with commissioner's regulations (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288). Additionally, upon completion of study, recipients must practice in their licensed profession in New York State for one year for each annual payment received. Employment must be in the studied profession and must be in New York State. If recipients do not begin practice within one year of program completion, they will be required to repay twice the amount of all scholarship monies received plus interest.

Source: New York State Education Department, Bureau of HEOP/VATEA/Scholarships, Education Building Addition, Room 1701, Albany, NY 12234

Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP)

Application Procedures

(1) The student must obtain a letter of acceptance from the college or university that he or she wishes to attend; (2) apply for TAP, Pell, and any other financial aid that he or she would normally qualify to receive; (3) complete the RIRP application in accordance with DMNA regulation 621-1; and (4) submit the RIRP application to his or her military unit full-time representative or commander. Members must have their application (DMNA form 96-1) to their units by June 30 for the fall semester; by October 31 for the spring semester; and by March 31 for the summer sessions. These deadlines are strictly enforced. Additional information may be obtained by contacting a local unit representative or recruiter, or calling the Educational Incentive Directorate at 518-786-4681.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Recipient must be in good standing in the state military forces (attend or make up all drills and annual training); be accepted and enrolled in college in an undergraduate, degree-producing program for a minimum of 6 credits per semester or 4 credits per quarter; maintain eligibility for the entire period of application; be a resident of New York State for a period of 186 days prior to using the program for the first time, and 186 days per year, excluding active duty period; be a graduate of advanced individual training (AIT) or its equivalent; and use the program for up to a first baccalaureate degree only.

Award Schedule

RIRP is a New York State program designed to recruit and retain quality personnel for the state military forces (army and air guard and naval militia). This program will pay the cost of tuition up to a maximum of $3,400 per calendar year for qualified applicants.

Source: New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs: Education Incentive Program

Student Aid to Native Americans

Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Education Building, Room 478EBA, Albany, NY 12234. Call 518-474-0537 for deadline dates and additional application information.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The applicant must (1) be 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) maintain good academic standing (see "Academic Standing and Progress," p. 288) in accordance with commissioner's regulations; and (3) be enrolled in an approved New York State postsecondary program.

Student Aid to Native Americans is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards.

Award Schedule

The award is $2,000 per year for a maximum of four years of full-time study (five years, where a fifth year is required for completion of degree requirements) and a minimum of 12 credits per semester or the equivalent in part-time study. Students registered for less than this number will be funded at prorated amounts. Awards are not provided for study in remedial programs.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Students are responsible for notifying the Native American Education Unit in writing of any change in student status, program, or institutional enrollment. Students must also submit semester grades at the end of each semester, showing satisfactory progress toward completion of degree or certification requirements.

Source: Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Albany, NY 12234

AmeriCorps Educational Award

Application Procedures

Information may be obtained by contacting the New York State Office for National and Community Service, Division of the Budget, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The New York State Commission for National and Community Service is the governor-appointed body charged with fostering volunteerism and community service activities that meet the needs of New York State residents. AmeriCorps is the national service initiative that makes it possible for nonprofit organizations to run local programs that engage individuals from all backgrounds in community service activities. The mission of AmeriCorps is to strengthen communities by bringing together individuals from a variety of backgrounds in the common effort to improve America. In return for their service, members of AmeriCorps programs earn money for school in the form of an education award that can be applied to outstanding student loans or future higher educational and vocational training pursuits. Full-time AmeriCorps members perform 1,700 hours of service. Part-time AmeriCorps members perform 900 hours of service.

Award Schedule

Up to $4,725 for full-time service, $2,363 for part-time service. Full-time members may also receive a living allowance, health insurance, and, if eligible, child care. In some instances, part-time members may also receive a living allowance.

Source: New York State Office for National and Community Service, Division of the Budget, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Application Procedures

Application is through the HEOP office at the independent institution of higher education at which the applicant is enrolled. See p. 288 for additional academic information specific to Ithaca College.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The applicant must be (1) a New York State resident; (2) a matriculated undergraduate student at an independent college or university in New York State; and (3) academically and economically disadvantaged according to guidelines approved by the Board of Regents and the director of the budget. Selection of eligible applicants for participation in HEOP is conducted by the institution or the HEOP program at the institution or both.

Award Schedule

The amount of financial assistance and other support provided to HEOP participants depends on need as determined by the institution and the program, within state guidelines.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Recipients must meet requirements for academic progress determined by each institution, within state guidelines. Each recipient must also apply for TAP, Pell, or other financial aid every year. HEOP-eligible students must submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and send it to the federal processor. Indicate on the FAFSA that the information is to be released to Ithaca College. HEOP-eligible students must submit a New York State express TAP application (ETA) to the address indicated within the form. The FAFSA application is available at local high schools or colleges. The ETA is generated by HESC and mailed to the student after the student files the FAFSA.

Vocational Rehabilitation Grants

Application Procedures

Persons with disabilities may obtain a list of locations from the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). Contact VESID, New York State Education Department, 1606 OCP Twin Towers Building, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234, 518-474-2714; or Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Office of Children and Family Services, 40 North Street, Albany, NY 12243, 518-473-1801.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services is based on (1) the presence of a physical or mental disability that, 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. Eligible clients may receive services including, but not limited to, counseling and guidance, evaluation of vocational potential, physical and mental restoration services, transportation, placement assistance, and instruction and training including that given at institutions of higher education.

VESID will consider college training for clients when an appropriate, specified vocational goal requiring this level of training has been established between the eligible disabled individual and his or her vocational rehabilitation counselor. The training may involve full- or part-time study at the baccalaureate level leading to a degree or certificate; graduate training is usually not provided. Training costs at institutions of higher education may be paid through the vocational rehabilitation program only after efforts have been made to secure grant assistance to cover these costs, in whole or in part, from other sources.

VESID policy establishes a maximum payment toward tuition for a client in any one academic year. In some cases, clients are required to share the expenses of college training according to the general VESID economic need policy.

Source: VESID, New York State Education Department, Albany, NY 12234