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New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is one of the nation's largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. All New York State residents must submit a TAP application. The final determination of eligibility rests with the Higher Education Services Corporation and what follows are the steps required to determine eligibility.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and legal residents of New York State. Eligibility for TAP is based on the combined New York State Net Taxable Income of the student applicant and parent(s) not to exceed $125,000. Read more information regarding the NYS Tap Program.

In addition, continuing students must maintain satisfactory academic progress based on the following guidelines in order to remain eligible for the TAP program:

Before being
certified
for this
payment		1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th
A student must
have accrued
at least this
many credits		0714283949678195109
Units0248111419232731
With at least
this GPA		01.51.81.82.02.02.02.02.02.0

Application Process

The TAP program requires the completion of both the FAFSA and the TAP Application. If the electronic TAP application is not completed in conjunction with the FAFSA online, you will an receive an email with a link to the application. Be sure you complete and submit the application listing Vassar’s school code of 1030. After HESC processes your completed ETA you will receive either a request for further information or notification indicating your eligibility and amount of your award. Please respond promptly to any request for further information.

Disbursement to the Student Account

The estimated TAP award for the fall term listed in your financial aid offer will appear as a memo item on your bill until the actual funds are received in October. If TAP requirements are not completed, the estimated award will no longer appear as a memo item on your November bill.

Adjustments to Vassar Scholarship

If the actual TAP award is less than the amount estimated in your financial aid offer, your Vassar Scholarship will be increased so that your total TAP plus Vassar Scholarship remains constant. Similarly, if the actual TAP award is greater than the amount estimated in your financial aid offer, your Vassar Scholarship will be reduced. It is also possible for Vassar Scholarship to be adjusted during the year due to changes in the TAP award. HESC will adjust awards based on Change Forms or Income Verification of NY taxable income received from the NYS Department of Taxation. TAP will not be replaced by Vassar Scholarship due to non-compliance with HESC’s requests for further information or for verification of full-time enrollment of other family members.

Additional Assistance

If you are having difficulties with your TAP application or have questions about your award, you can make an appointment to speak with a HESC representative.

Other New York State Awards

Students who were notified by the NY State Education Department of academic performance or other non-need-based awards must file an application with HESC. If you were notified of such an award and did not file a FAFSA, contact HESC for further instructions on securing your award.