State Grants and Scholarships for New York Residents in 2025
What State Grants and Scholarships Are Available For New York State Residents?
Thinking about attending college in New York? Whether you’re a high school student preparing to apply or a current college student looking for financial aid options, New York State offers several grants and scholarships to help make higher education more affordable. The best part? These awards are free money—they don’t have to be paid back! Let’s break down the options available for New York State residents.
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
One of the most well-known financial aid programs in New York is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). TAP is a grant that helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition at approved colleges and universities in the state.
Who Qualifies?
- You must be a New York State resident attending an approved in-state college.
- You need to be enrolled full-time (at least 12 new credits per semester) in an approved degree program.
- Your family’s New York State taxable income must be within the eligibility limits. (As of recent guidelines, the maximum allowable income for dependent students is $125,000.)
You must maintain good academic standing.
How Much Can You Get?
- TAP awards range from $1,000 to $5,665 per year, depending on income and tuition costs.
- The grant applies directly to your tuition bill, reducing what you owe out-of-pocket.
How to Apply?
- Submit the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Complete the New York State TAP Application through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.
Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students to attend SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) colleges tuition-free.
Who Qualifies?
- You must be a New York State resident for at least 12 months prior to applying.
- Your household income must be $125,000 or less.
- You need to be enrolled full-time in a SUNY or CUNY college.
- You must commit to living and working in New York State after graduation for the same number of years you received the award.
How Much Can You Get?
- The scholarship covers the cost of tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges after other grants and scholarships have been applied.
How to Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA® and TAP applications.
Submit the Excelsior Scholarship application on the HESC website.
Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA)
The Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) program helps students attending private colleges in New York State afford tuition.
Who Qualifies?
- You must be a New York State resident.
- Your household income must be $125,000 or less.
- You must attend a participating private college in New York State.
- Like the Excelsior Scholarship, you must agree to live and work in New York State after graduation.
How Much Can You Get?
- Eligible students can receive up to $6,000 per year.
How to Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA® and TAP applications.
Apply through the HESC website when the application period opens.
NYS STEM Incentive Program
Are you planning to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)? The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides full tuition scholarships to top students.
Who Qualifies?
- You must be in the top 10% of your high school class.
- You must enroll in a STEM degree program at a SUNY or CUNY college.
- You must commit to working in a STEM field in New York State for at least five years after graduation.
How Much Can You Get?
- The award covers full SUNY/CUNY tuition (after other grants and scholarships).
How to Apply?
- Submit your FAFSA® and TAP applications.
Apply directly through HESC.
NYS Part-Time Scholarship Award Program
Not a full-time student? The NYS Part-Time Scholarship provides tuition assistance for part-time students at SUNY and CUNY schools.
Who Qualifies?
- You must be a New York State resident.
- You must be enrolled in at least six but fewer than 12 credits per semester at a SUNY or CUNY school.
- You must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
How Much Can You Get?
- Up to $1,500 per semester.
How to Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA® and TAP applications.
Apply through HESC.
Other Grants and Scholarships for New York State Residents
New York State offers additional scholarships and grants for students with specific backgrounds and career interests, including:
- Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) – For part-time students with financial need.
- Veterans Tuition Awards – For New York veterans pursuing higher education.
- Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans – For students with a parent who served in the military and meets eligibility criteria.
Flight 587 & World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships – For families affected by these tragedies.
Final Thoughts: Apply Early & Stay Informed!
There are plenty of grants and scholarships available for New York State residents—but deadlines matter! Many of these grants and scholarships have limited funds and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Stay ahead by:
- Filing the FAFSA® early (as soon as it opens in October!).
- Applying for TAP and other NYS scholarships right away.
- Checking the HESC website for updates and deadlines.
- Speaking with your school counselor or financial aid office for guidance.
Paying for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With the right planning and resources, you can maximize your financial aid and focus on what really matters—your education. Happy applying!
Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.
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- What to Do If You’re Not Eligible for the FAFSA® - December 3, 2024