ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A new report from the State Comptroller’s Office highlighted that New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year.
The report revealed that 77,000 fewer undergraduates are getting assistance now, marking a 21% decrease. During the same period, the average award only increased by 21%, reaching approximately $2,643.
“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” said Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in a press release. “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.”
Students eligible for TAP can get an estimated award of $1,000 to $5,665. The amount students get depends on combined income, including family-earned income and pensions.
To be eligible for TAP, students must meet certain income requirements, be in good standing with any loans, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and a New York State resident who has been in New York for 12 continuous months.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Read the full report from the comptroller’s office:
For Related Stories: Comptroller Report