Governor Hochul announces launch of Tuition Assistance Program Eligibility for SUNY and CUNY Workforce Development Programs

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the first-ever Tuition Assistance Program eligibility to cover hundreds of SUNY and CUNY non-degree programs that lead to jobs in high-demand, growing fields.

The expansion builds on the support offered through TAP, New York State’s 50-year-old financial assistance program, which provides direct aid to students.

“Tuition assistance for workforce development opportunities will help ease a path to rewarding and successful careers for low- and middle-income families,” Governor Hochul said.

“Giving all New Yorkers the opportunity to obtain good paying jobs showcases my administration’s commitment to invest in our future workforce, our economy and a strong and prosperous future for all New Yorkers."

283 TAP eligible programs across 32 SUNY campuses will begin during this spring semester, with 43 more courses that will be available beginning during the fall semester via a CUNY pilot program.

Information for SUNY eligible courses available here.  Information for CUNY eligible courses available here.  

If students later matriculate toward a degree program, they will be granted full credit for the work they completed as part of this program, the Governor’s Office clarified.

“Governor Hochul continues to lead the crucial expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program to help more New Yorkers get the education and training they need to qualify for high-growth careers," SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said.

"There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are proud to support students pursuing careers in high-demand, growing fields on their path to upward mobility and, hopefully, ultimately earning a college degree.”

New York State TAP is one of the nation's largest need-based college financial aid grant programs.

Since its inception in 1974, the Tuition Assistance Program has provided nearly $30 billion dollars to help more than 6 million New Yorkers to help make college more affordable and accessible.

During the 2022-23 academic year, 234,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $662 million in tuition assistance awards.

Image via the office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.