New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the state’s primary need-based grant program for college students, has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs in nearly 20 years, since the 2008-09 academic year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The comptroller also said that undergraduate TAP recipients dropped by 21%, or 77,000 students, with steep declines among two-year programs (45%), private schools (40%), and lowest income households (38%).

DiNapoli notes the decline since 2008 is partially related to the fall in high school graduates and the drop in postsecondary enrollments, but utilization of TAP was already dropping at a greater pace than for resident enrollment in many sectors, before rebounding in the 2024-25 academic year.

Since 2008, the average award increased only 21% to $2,643, while inflation rose 44% during this time. Over the same period, State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) tuition grew more than three times faster. Only students from households earning $7,000 or less qualified for the maximum annual TAP award of $5,665 for 2025-26, an income ceiling that has not changed for 30 years. Students receiving maximum awards in 2024-25 decreased 38% since 2008-09.

State lawmakers in 2024 raised the TAP income cut off from $80,000 to $125,000 per year, increased the minimum TAP award from $500 to $1,000 and increased income limits for married and independent students. The expansion program also includes extending eligibility to part-time students and those enrolled in non-degree programs, which they say opens doors for students who are pursing a non-traditional path.

The report found TAP had a more meaningful source of support for students at public institutions, where tuition tends to be more affordable. For these, average awards cover 36% to 42% of tuition depending on system and level of degree. The average TAP award for students attending private institutions covers just 6.5%.

“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “Updating award criteria so that TAP continues to be a useful support for families is needed to help New York retain talent and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”