Grants are a form of financial aid from the state and federal governments that don’t need to be repaid, and are often based on your income. Grants generally won’t pay for the total cost of college, but they can cover a large portion. It’s best to complete the application process early since many grants are available on a first-come first-served basis.
New York State Grants
To be eligible, all students applying for state grants must be New York residents who either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the commissioner of the State Education Department.
Students from mixed-status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/
NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is an income-based grant with a possible maximum award of $5,165. In addition to the above eligibility requirements, students must meet the income criteria. If you are a current student re-applying for TAP, you must:
- have a cumulative C average after receipt of two annual payments
- be matriculated into an approved program of study full-time (12 credits), and in good academic standing
To apply, you must complete the FAFSA. On FAFSA’s submission confirmation page there is a link to apply for TAP. If for some reason you are unable to do so through FAFSA, apply through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
This program, offered through the SUNY system, is designed for students who need special academic assistance and financial aid. EOP is available to full-time undergraduates who have been residents of New York for 12 months prior to enrollment, and must meet EOP Income Eligibility Guidelines. The amount of aid students receive is dependent upon need and available funding, which is disbursed by semester. May be used as deferment if paperwork is in order.
Apply for EOP
To apply students, must complete the FAFSA and apply for TAP.
Foster Youth College Success Initiative
The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is a New York State Education Department grant program established to support New York State residents who have experienced foster care or are eligible orphans.
Federal Grants
General eligibility requirements for federal grants include demonstrated financial need, U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and enrollment requirements.
Federal Pell Grant
Based on your financial need, this grant is available to matriculated students who have not received a bachelor’s degree. You must be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen that is financially eligible, and in good academic standing or making satisfactory degree progress. You may not default or owe a repayment on any Title IV program at any institution. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).
Apply for Pell
To apply, submit the FAFSA application
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provides money to schools for students with exceptional financial need. FSEOG funding does not need to be repaid.
Apply for FSEOG
To apply, submit the FAFSA application. Because funds are limited, you should complete the application process as soon as possible for processing.