ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – New York\u2019s primary need-based grant program for college students has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.<\/p>\n
The Tuition Assistance Program saw undergraduate recipients drop by 77,000 students, or 21%, with steep declines among two-year programs at 45%, private-sector schools at 40% and lowest income households at 38%.<\/p>\n
\u201cTAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it\u2019s falling behind the realities of today\u2019s costs,\u201d DiNapoli said. \u201cUpdating 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Award amounts lag behind costs<\/p>\n
Between the 2008-09 and 2024-25 academic years, the average award increased only 21% to $2,643, while inflation rose 44% during the same period. State University of New York and City University of New York tuition grew more than three times faster over the same timeframe.<\/p>\n
Only students from households earning $7,000 or less qualified for the maximum annual TAP award of $5,665 in the 2025-26 academic year. That income ceiling has not changed for 30 years. Students receiving maximum awards in 2024-25 decreased 38% since 2008-09.<\/p>\n
The decline in recipients since 2008 is partially related to the fall in high school graduates and the drop in postsecondary enrollments. However, TAP utilization was already dropping at a greater pace than resident enrollment in many sectors before rebounding in 2024-25.<\/p>\n
Public vs. private school coverage<\/p>\n
TAP provides more meaningful support for students at public institutions, where tuition tends to be more affordable, the report said. For these students, average awards cover 36% to 42% of tuition, depending on system and degree level.<\/p>\n
The average TAP award for students attending private sector institutions covers just 6.5% of the average four-year non-profit school tuition. TAP may not be used for non-tuition costs, which can represent significant expenses.<\/p>\n
Recent improvements show impact<\/p>\n
Recent state actions to expand TAP eligibility coincided with the highest number of recipients in 2024-25 since 2019-20. New York has provided new assistance for certain students to pursue postsecondary education and retraining for career shifts, and has increased income limits for students to qualify for awards.<\/p>\n
In 2024-25, there was a 20% increase in the number of total TAP recipients from the prior year. The report says the gains across different groups demonstrate the impact of broadening access for part-time study and non-degree or certificate programs along with expanding household income ceilings for eligibility.<\/p>\n
These actions support higher education institutes that have been expanding enrollments with historically under-represented students, including those who are older and independent.<\/p>\n
DiNapoli said updating criteria that determine TAP award sizes and consideration of TAP\u2019s use for non-tuition purposes are options policymakers can consider for providing support that New York students need to pursue postsecondary education in-state.<\/p>\n
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