By: Kaitlyn St. Hilaire

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York State announced an expansion to the Tuition Assistance Program for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The goal is to make higher education more affordable and accessible.

The new New York State budget includes an increased minimum for the TAP award, raising it from $500 to $1000 per student. Additionally, the budget raises the income limit for TAP eligibility for families from $80,000 to $125,000, the independent married student from $40,000 to $60,000, and the independent single student from $10,000 to $30,000.

According to state statistics FAFSA submissions were down by 24% last year. Meaning that $225 million in TAP money was left unused by the state of New York.

“Guidance counselors, teachers and high schoolers, bring them in, help them fill out the forms, help the parents who are struggling and can't figure it out themselves like most of us. We want the students to use that money,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

These changes to the grant are estimated to benefit roughly 93,000 students in public and private colleges and universities, including 48,000 students newly eligible for TAP due to the changes.

“Now that Governor Hochul and the legislature have doubled the minimum TAP award from $500 to $1,000, and increased income thresholds, we are looking forward to writing the next chapter of student success for New Yorkers,” said SUNY Chancellor John King Jr.

You can apply to TAP by following this link: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-new-york-state-tap