Governor Hochul announces ‘historic’ expansion of Tuition Assistance Program

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has announced what she calls a ‘historic’ expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program included in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget to make higher education more affordable and accessible.

“Higher education can transform New Yorkers’ lives, helping students develop the skills they need to pursue their dreams,” Governor Hochul said.

“We are taking significant steps to ensure all New York students have access to the financial support they need to continue their education and become the next generation of leaders in our state."

Assistance Program plays in broadening college access, boosting completion rates, and fostering educational equity particularly among low-income families and first-generation college students.

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is one of the nation's largest need-based college financial aid grant programs.

“The Board of Regents, Education Department, and I commend Governor Hochul and the Legislature for continuing to provide the resources needed for all students to succeed in school and beyond," said New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.

"New York will reach its full potential when all students have equitable access to educational opportunities, and TAP plays a critical role in making that vision possible.”

Since its inception in 1974, it was provided nearly $30 billion to help more than 6 million New Yorkers attend college.

The FY 2025 Enacted Budget increases the minimum TAP award from $500 to $1,000. Additionally, the Budget increases the dependent student net taxable income (NTI) limit for TAP eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000, the independent married student NTI limit from $40,000 to $60,000, and the independent single student NTI limit from $10,000 to $30,000.

These changes are estimated to benefit roughly 93,000 students in public and private colleges and universities, including 48,000 students newly eligible for TAP.

For more, check out the Governor’s website.

Governor Kathy Hochul image.