Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

‘Last Semester’ and ‘Semester Prior to Last Semester’ Options pertaining to NYS Financial Aid (including NYS TAP)

High School Equivalency information for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program:

• State High School Equivalency Diploma - Commissioner's Regulations 100.7
• December 2015 - the amendment of section 100.7
• High School Diploma for WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who left high school before graduating (Section 305 of the NYS Education Law). Operation Recognition

Ability to Benefit Testing:

It is important to note for NYS institutions of higher education utilizing the ATB for eligibility for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP); the ATB must be administered in accordance with the requirements found in subsection 145-2.15 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

• Link to all of the New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations (Navigate specifically to NYCRR, Title 8, Chapter II, Subpart I, Part 145)
• Additional information on Ability to Benefit can be found on the OCUE website via the following links:
  • Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) Testing Requirements for State Financial Aid
  • ATB questions and answers for additional guidance
  Complaints

  Complaints:

  • For an individual complaint about state student financial aid matters:contact the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) Customer Communications Center at 1-888-NYS-HESC. https://www.hesc.ny.gov or 1- 888-697-4372 or 1-518-473-1574
  • For a complaint about the educational programs or practices of degree-granting institutions subject to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education see the information on the Office of College and University Evaluation complaint process
  Higher Education in New York State

  Higher Education in New York State:

  Statutes and Commissioner's Regulations

  Statutes and Commissioner's Regulations pertaining to State Financial Assistance:

  • Link to all of the New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations (Navigate specifically to NYCRR, Title 8, Chapter II, Subpart I, Part 145)
  Chief Executive Officer Memorandums

  Chief Executive Officer Memorandums concerning Student Financial Assistance:

  (Note: These items are provided for reference purposes only. Statutory and regulation updates may have superseded the guidance provided here.)

  Links of Interest

  Links of Interest Regarding Financial Aid:

  • Guidance for filing a complaint
  • New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) - administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation
  • Native American Education Unit
  • Selected Reports on Student Financial Aid at New York State Colleges and Universities
  • Additional information concerning other student financial aid programs can be obtained from high school counselors, college financial aid officers, and/or the: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Division of Grants and Scholarships/Scholarship Unit, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255
    https://www.hesc.ny.gov or
    1- 888-697-4372 or 1-518-473-1574
  Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act

  For more information on the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/

  Contact Information

  New York State Education Department
  Office of Postsecondary Access, Support, and Success
  Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
  89 Washington Avenue, EBA 960
  Albany, New York 12234
  (518) 474-3719

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