New York State Grants

New York State Grants

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York. Depending on the academic year in which a student began study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant based on financial need it does not have to be paid back. Undergraduate students generally receive TAP awards for four years of study as long as they meet academic progress and maintain minimum GPAs required by NYS.

TAP awards are often estimated at the beginning of the academic year. Once the state completes income verification, a TAP award can change mid-semester, or mid-year. Increased TAP awards can result in a decrease to other PSC need-based grant funds. Decreased TAP awards could result in a student’s bill increasing. For a list of eligibility criteria and application instructions, please visit the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)  is for part-time students who are enrolled in 3-11 credit hours per semester and provides an average award of $500 per semester to help pay tuition. Application forms may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office and the completed application must be returned for processing.

To be considered a candidate for the APTS assistance, the applicant must:

  • Be a New York State resident and U.S. citizen.
  • Meet the income limits of $80,000 for dependent students and $34,250 for independent students.

Independent students with dependents are eligible if their income is less than $80,000. APTS recipient must remain in good standing. The award is credited to the student's college account on a semester basis.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a collaboration between the New York State Education Department and Paul Smith's College. The Paul Smith's College HEOP Program provides supplemental academic and financial support to New York State residents who meet academic and income eligibility guidelines and make it through a competitive selection process.

All prospective HEOP applicants must:

  • Reside in New York State and hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Meet the economic requirements established by the New York State Department of Education.
  • Meet the academic requirements for HEOP as set by Paul Smith's College
  • Have the potential and motivation for the successful completion of college.
  • If transferring, have been enrolled in an approved opportunity program (HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery)

In addition to the admission requirements for Paul Smith's College, HEOP applicants must complete the following:

  • HEOP application
  • HEOP essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A campus visit
  • An interview with HEOP personnel
  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Verification of household income (for two previous years) and any documentation required by the PSC Financial Aid Office.

For eligibility guidelines and the online HEOP application please go to: http://www.paulsmiths.edu/heop1/

Interested students may also call the PSC HEOP Office at (518)327-6480 with questions or for additional information.

New York State Scholarships

Please go to Higher Education Services Corporation for a list of additional scholarships and grants offered by New York State.

State Aid to Native Americans

State Aid to Native Americans is a financial assistance program for applicants who:

  • Are members of one of the Native American Tribes located on reservations within New York State
  • Have graduated from an approved high school, or have earned a General Equivalency Diploma
  • Are enrolled in an approved post-secondary institution in New York State.

There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. The award is currently $1,750 per year for a maximum of four years of full-time study, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students registered for less than this number will be funded at approximately $50 per credit hour.

Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Albany, New York 12234. The completed application should be forwarded to the Native American Education Unit along with the following materials:

  • Official transcript of high school record
  • Letters of recommendation from leaders in the community
  • Personal letter, setting forth in detail educational plans
  • Signature of the parents of minor applicants
  • Official tribal certification form
  • Copy of acceptance letter from college attending.

Students are responsible for notifying the Native American Education Unit in writing of any change in status, program or institutional enrollment.

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