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Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

This site contains information or referrals to information on a number of topics related to the administration of the NYS Tuition Assistance Program

Updates

Declaring Major (updated 5/23)

Options pertaining to NYS Financial Aid

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

TAP Guidance Last semesters of eligibility

High School Equivalency information

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

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.

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:

The Legal Framework for Higher Education in New York State

Statutes and Commissioner's Regulations

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

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 Statutory and regulation updates may have superseded the guidance provided here.)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:

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