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 a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, 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.
TAP Income Limits
| Student Type | NYS 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 |