Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) Program Participation Form

The Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) Program Participation Form is being sent to you in anticipation of the 2026-27 academic year application cycle.

ETA recipients are eligible to receive annual awards of up to $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award, and a match from their participating private college.

As an eligible private, degree-granting college, you may opt to participate in the ETA Program each year. By participating, colleges commit to matching up to $3,000 annually for the duration of the student’s enrollment and freezing tuition rates throughout the award period to maximize the financial benefits for students. Colleges may seek an exemption from the match requirement if they have reduced their tuition rate by more than 15 percent over the prior six years.

To participate for the 2026-27 academic year, please ensure your Chief Executive Officer or an authorized fiduciary officer completes and signs the ETA Participation Form. Completed forms can be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than April 6, 2026.

If you choose not to participate in 2026-27, no action is required.

Colleges seeking an exemption from the match requirement must submit a complete ETA Match Exemption Form to HESC by April 6, 2026.

Please be aware that your participation decision made in any one year neither obligates nor precludes your college from opting differently in future years; however, you must continue to both freeze the tuition charge and provide annual matching funds to ETA Program recipients who remain eligible for awards for the duration of such students' attendance at your institution.

Any questions may be directed to HESC at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation