On Friday, Oct. 11, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a major expansion of New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) following changes in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The increase in income eligibility thresholds has already led to more than 40,000 new applications for the 2024-25 academic year across New York State. The expansion is designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable for a broader range of New York residents, particularly middle-class families.
TAP helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition to qualified institutions in the state. The FY 2025 Budget provided a significant increase of $55.7 million in TAP funding to support more students across New York State starting college in the 2024-25 academic year.
“Governor Hochul’s proposal to expand eligibility for state aid programs like the Tuition Assistance Program aims to make college more affordable for middle-class families by widening the income qualifications,” Nick Prewett, the director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at Stony Brook University, said. “As a result, students who previously did not qualify may now receive support, lowering their out-of-pocket expenses and potentially reducing their need for loans. Last year, we observed an increase in TAP-eligible students as the family income cap was expanded to $125,000.”
Some of the changes include the minimum TAP award increasing from $500 to $1,000, the net taxable income limit for dependent student eligibility increasing from $80,000 to $125,000, the net taxable income limit for independent married students increasing from $40,000 to $60,000 and the net taxable income limit for independent single students increasing from $10,000 to $30,000.
In addition to the new maximum income thresholds, TAP was made available in 2024 to part-time students and those enrolled in non-degree programs.
“This fall, we have 7,135 students receiving TAP — a critical component of financial aid for New York State students. TAP helps cover tuition costs that would otherwise pose a significant financial burden, supporting both low and middle-income families and making a Stony Brook education more accessible,” Prewett said.
TAP makes higher education more affordable and accessible to students in New York State. It has been a major vehicle for student success in higher education, with over six million New Yorkers benefiting from it in their pursuit of a college degree.
“TAP is incredibly important for students as it makes higher education more accessible and affordable,” the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services wrote in a statement to The Statesman. “By reducing out-of-pocket costs, TAP helps students focus on their studies with less financial stress, supporting retention and success. For many, this assistance can be the deciding factor in completing their degree and achieving their long-term goals.”
For Taylor Gabrovic, a senior majoring in English, financial aid is key to making higher education a reality. She highlighted the critical role of programs like TAP in easing the financial burden of college.
“Like many other students at Stony Brook, paying for college out of my pocket means having an additional form of financial aid like TAP is vital and invaluable,” Gabrovic said.
Prewett further explained how the expansion may impact Stony Brook students specifically.
“As additional details emerge, this expansion could be transformative for Stony Brook,” he said. “More middle-class students will gain access to financial aid, reducing financial stress and enabling them to focus more fully on their studies. With increased support, students may better balance their academic commitments without relying heavily on part-time work, leading to a richer and more engaged college experience. This change could also boost enrollment and retention rates, as financial barriers for many families are eased.”Prewett underscored the impact of expanded TAP eligibility, noting that the changes will help students from a wider range of economic backgrounds achieve their academic and career aspirations.
“With expanded TAP eligibility, more students from diverse economic backgrounds can pursue their academic and career goals, reinforcing TAP’s essential role in promoting equitable access to education,” Prewett said.
