New York has one of the most generous state financial aid systems in the United States. If you live in New York and want to go back to school, there are multiple state programs that can cover a significant portion of your tuition. Here is what is available in 2026.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is New York State's main education grant. For 2025 to 2026, awards range from $500 to $5,665 per year depending on your income, the school you attend, and your household size.
To qualify for TAP, you must:
- Be a New York State resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Study at an approved New York school
- Be enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program
- Have a New York State adjusted gross income under $80,000 (independent students)
You apply by filing the FAFSA. The New York Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) automatically processes your TAP eligibility after you file. You also complete the TAP application at hesc.ny.gov to confirm your enrollment.
The income limit of $80,000 is generous. Many returning adult women qualify even with a household income that feels too high.
Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
APTS is a New York program specifically for students who cannot attend full time. If you are working while going to school, or managing family responsibilities, this is designed for you.
Awards go up to $2,000 per year. Eligibility requires enrollment in at least 3 but fewer than 12 credits per semester and meeting income limits. You apply through your school's financial aid office. Not all schools participate. Ask when you inquire about enrollment.
Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship makes SUNY and CUNY tuition free for students whose household income is under $125,000. It is a last-dollar program, meaning it covers whatever is left after your other grants and awards.
Requirements include:
- New York resident for at least 12 months
- Annual household income at or below $125,000
- Enrolled full time (12 credits per semester)
- Completing at least 30 credits per year
- Agreeing to live and work in New York for the same number of years you received the award
The full-time requirement and the work-in-New-York condition are the two things that most often disqualify people. If you can meet both, Excelsior combined with TAP and Pell can make SUNY or CUNY essentially free.
SUNY and CUNY Opportunity Programs
Both the SUNY and CUNY systems have opportunity programs that provide extra financial support and services for students who have faced educational or economic disadvantages.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY provides grants, tutoring, counseling, and summer institutes for income-eligible students. Talk to the EOP office at any SUNY school you are applying to.
SEEK and College Discovery at CUNY provide similar support for CUNY students. These programs often include additional grant funds on top of TAP and Pell.
Find Out What You Qualify For in New York
My free grant finder matches your situation with every program you are eligible for in New York. It takes about three minutes.
Find My GrantsFederal Grants Available in New York
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 per year. No age limit. Apply via FAFSA.
- SEOG: Up to $4,000 per year. Automatic through FAFSA.
- WIOA training funds: For career training programs. Apply through your local New York American Job Center or the New York State Department of Labor.
Private Grants for New York Women
Women's Fund of the Rochester Area Community Foundation: Supports women in the Rochester area pursuing education. Check racf.org.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Available through New York Soroptimist chapters. Awards up to $16,000. Find your chapter at soroptimist.org.
New York Women's Foundation: Funds programs that support economic security for women in New York City. Check nywf.org.
Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: Open to women 35 and older across the U.S., including New York. Awards up to $2,000 for certificate and degree programs. Apply at rankinfoundation.org.
Workforce Training in New York
The New York State Department of Labor runs the Workforce Development Institute (WDI) and a network of American Job Centers. These provide access to WIOA-funded training in high-demand fields including healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and construction.
Find your nearest American Job Center at labor.ny.gov or through careeronestop.org. New York also has strong union apprenticeship programs, particularly in construction, that are paid training with wages while you learn.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Award amounts reflect 2025 to 2026 academic year. Sources: HESC (hesc.ny.gov), studentaid.gov, SUNY.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get TAP if I am attending part time in New York?
Regular TAP requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credits). But Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) is available for students taking 3 to 11 credits per semester. Ask your school's financial aid office whether they participate in APTS.
Does the Excelsior Scholarship cover graduate school?
No. Excelsior is for undergraduate programs at SUNY and CUNY schools. It does not cover graduate or professional programs.
What is the TAP income limit for independent students?
For independent students (which includes most adult women going back to school), the New York State adjusted gross income limit is $80,000. This is the income from your New York State tax return, not your federal return.
Can I stack TAP with the Pell Grant and Excelsior?
Yes. That is exactly how they are designed to work together. Pell covers a base amount, TAP adds New York State funds, and Excelsior covers whatever tuition is left. At a SUNY school, this combination can bring your cost to zero if you are full time and under the income limits.
