TAP Eligibility & Income Limits

Effective for the 2007-08 academic year and thereafter, TAP is available for students attending SUNY, CUNY and not-for-profit independent degree-granting colleges on a part-time basis. To be eligible for Part-time TAP you must have been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter and maintain a “C” average. 

Eligibility:

An applicant must:

  • be a legal resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months;
  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
  • have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing the New York State selected the General Educational Development Test (GED® Test), or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
  • study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State;
  • be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing with at least a "C" average as of the 4th semester payment
  • be enrolled as a full-time student taking twelve or more credits applicable toward the degree program, per semester;
  • be charged at least $200 tuition per year;
  • meet income eligibility limitations;
  • not be in default on any state or federal student loans and not be in default on any repayment of State awards;
  • be in compliance with the terms of any service condition imposed by a NYS award.

       * Credit-bearing courses in the student's minimum full-time course load (12 semester hours or the  
          equivalent) must consist of courses applicable to the student's program of study as a general
          education requirement, major requirement, or elective.

Common Reasons Why Students Lose NYS Award Payments

Students who receive a New York State (NYS) financial aid award to support their college costs must maintain certain requirements to continue receiving those awards.

Here are some common reasons why students lose their financial aid awards and some tips on how to avoid them.

 TAP Income Limits

Student TypeNYS Taxable Income Limit
Dependent undergraduate students or Independent students who are married and have tax dependents, or Independent students who are unmarried and have tax dependents, or beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, students who qualify as an orphan, foster child or ward of the court $80,000
Independent undergraduate students who are married and have no other tax dependents $40,000
Single independent undergraduate students with no tax dependents $10,000

 

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