Important Update: 2025–26 Part-Time TAP

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, the 2025–26 enacted State Budget consolidated three existing state financial aid programs for part-time students into a single, streamlined program—Part-Time TAP. This consolidation simplifies the application and certification process, making it easier for schools to support students pursuing their degrees on a part-time basis.

Part-Time TAP Certification

Effective October 22, 2025, schools may now certify Part-time TAP for students enrolled in 3–5 credits per semester.

As a reminder, schools should certify students for Part-time TAP with a status of ‘1’ (eligible) and indicate both the actual number of credits and the actual tuition liability. When HESC processes the certification, the full-time TAP award will be prorated based on the enrolled credits provided.

Eligibility requirements include:

Attendance at an eligible degree-granting college in New York State.
Enrollment in 3–11 credits per semester (or 4–7 credits per trimester/quarter) that count toward the degree.
Maintenance of a cumulative C-average. Good Academic Standing Waivers cannot be used to qualify students who do not meet the C-average requirement.
Enrollment in a degree-granting program of study and maintenance of good academic standing.

Part-Time Scholarship

This program is closed for the 2025-26 academic year. Schools should certify all pending certifications for the 2024-25 academic year as soon as possible to ensure that eligible students receive their awards.

Aid to Part-Time Study (APTS)

This program is now closed for the 2024-25 academic year, and no additional transactions will be allowed.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to supporting students.

Best regards,

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation