If Enrolled in a College Degree or Certification Program, You May Be Eligible for State or Federal Student Financial Aid
The following resources may be of interest to you:
Aid for Part-Time Study
The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies. Awards provide up to $2,000 per year for part-time undergraduate study at participating institutions in New York State. You must be matriculated in an approved program of study, enrolled in three to 11 credit hours, and meet eligibility requirements. Contact your school's financial aid office or visit www.hesc.ny.gov for more information.
Excelsior Scholarship
In combination with other student financial aid programs, the Excelsior Scholarship allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Visit www.hesc.ny.gov for more information.
Federal Pell Grant Program
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Pell grants are based on financial need, as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA applications are available in college financial aid offices or online at www.studentaid.gov.
Federal Tax Benefits for Education
If you, your spouse, or a dependent are taking college courses or other post-secondary training, you may benefit from the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. These programs are federal tax credits to help offset the costs of higher education. Visit www.irs.gov for more information on federal tax credits.
College Tuition Credit or Itemized Deduction
The college tuition credit is a tax credit for the qualified college tuition expenses paid for an eligible student. The credit is available to full-year New York State residents only. The college tuition itemized deduction is another option if you itemize your deductions on your tax return. See publication IT-272 at www.tax.ny.gov for more information.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in NYS. Depending on the academic year you begin, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. Contact your school's financial aid office or visit www.hesc.ny.gov for more information.
For more information about any of the financial aid programs described in this section, call (800) 253-4332 (Press Option 1) or email a Partnership advisor at [email protected].