New York State Grants & City Programs
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides grants to students to assist them in paying tuition. The program is administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Bronx Community College school code is 1400.
What is the application process?
The first step in the TAP application process is the completion of the FAFSA. Once a student gets to the FAFSA on the web confirmation page, there will be a link for New York State residents to complete an application for TAP.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must:
Be a legal resident of New York State (have lived in NYS for at least one year prior to the first day of the semester for which you are seeking payment).
Be a U.S citizen, permanent resident or hold an I-94 visa as a refugee, paroled refugee or conditional entrant.
Be enrolled in a degree program at Bronx Community College.
Be enrolled full time in at least 12 credits that meet the requirements of your major. In your first tap semester, you must have at least 3 degree credits as part of your full-time course load. After your first semester, you must have at least 6 degree credits as part of your full-time course load.
Be in good academic standing for New York State financial aid by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
Have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school, a recognized GED certification, or pass an approved ability-to-benefit test.
Meet the economic criteria.
What are the income requirements?
To meet the New York State taxable income criteria for TAP: Dependent students or independent students with tax dependents must have a total family net taxable income below $80,001. Independent students who are single with no tax dependents must have a total family net taxable income below $10,001. Independent students who are married with no tax dependents must have a total family net taxable income below $40,001. To learn more visit HESC.
How many semesters can I receive TAP?
You may receive TAP up to 6 semesters (or the equivalent) as an associate degree student. You will be limited to 6 semesters of TAP even if you change majors or transfer to another community college.
How do I know if I receive TAP?
Several weeks after submitting your TAP web application you will receive an email notification from NYS Higher Education Service Corporation (HESC) about your award status and the amount of TAP you may expect to receive. HESC will also notify the College of your TAP awards.
The College will credit your tuition bill with your semester TAP award. Check your financial aid status in CUNYfirst after you have enrolled in courses.
TAP Videos from New York State Student Aid
Check out the following videos from New York State Student Aid to help guide you through the process of filing for TAP:
AID FOR PART-TIME STUDY (APTS)
Aid for Part-time Study (APTS) is a grant from New York State for students pursuing a degree as a part-time undergraduate student. The amount of the grant is determined by CUNY and is based upon the availability of funds from New York State.
What is the application process?
To apply you must first complete the FAFSA, and then the TAP application. Second, complete a CUNY Supplement form. Log on to the CUNY Portal and click on the “Filing your CUNY Financial Aid Supplement Form” link for complete instructions on filing the CUNY Supplement.
After you complete the CUNY Supplement, the Portal will confirm that the form has been submitted. and You will be allowed to print a copy of the CUNY Supplement for your records.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must:
Be enrolled part time, with a minimum of 6 to 11 credits, in a degree program or registered certificate program at Bronx Community College.
Meet the program income limits.
Be a New York State resident.
Not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility.
Be in good academic standing for New York State financial aid by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
Be free of debt from any defaulted student loan that HESC guaranteed.
You must maintain a “C” average after having received the equivalent of two full years of payment of State-sponsored student financial aid.
Have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school, a recognized GED certification.
What are the income requirements?
To meet the New York State taxable income criteria for APTS: Students claimed by parents as a tax exemption or students who claim dependents of their own must have a New York State net taxable income below $50,501. Students not eligible to be claimed by parents as a tax exemption or who are single with no tax dependents must have a net taxable income below $34,251.
How many semesters can I receive APTS?
A student may receive up to 16 semesters of APTS while enrolled in an associate degree program.
PART-TIME TAP
Students must be part-time and enrolled in 6-11 credit. To apply students you must complete a FAFSA and a TAP application.
Eligibility Requirements
Be a New York State Resident
Be admitted into a degree program
Earn 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive preceding semesters, for a total of 24 credits
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE DISCOVERY
College Discovery (CD) is a special program funded by New York City for financially and educationally disadvantaged students who are New York City residents. Students who are in the CD program may receive money for books and fees. These funds are grants and do not have to be repaid. CD students also receive additional counseling and tutorial services through the Department of Student Affairs.
Selection for the program
You must indicate on your freshman admissions application that you want to be considered for the CD program when you first apply to the College. Once you receive your notification of acceptance to Bronx Community College, you will also be notified whether or not you have been selected for the CD program.
What financial aid applications do CD students have to file?
In order to establish your eligibility for CD financial aid, you must file the following applications:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
There may be additional documentation you will have to submit to the Financial Aid Office to finalize your eligibility.
When your applications have been processed and your CD eligibility determined, you will receive an award letter from the Financial Aid Office. You may also check your award status by logging into CUNY Portal, clicking on the Financial Aid tab.
What kinds of financial aid can I get as a CD student?
You most probably will be eligible to receive TAP and PELL. If you are found to be eligible for CD financial aid, the CD program may provide you money for books and will pay your school fees. You may also be able to receive additional types of assistance such as: Federal Work Study, a Federal Perkins Loan or a Federal Direct Loan.
When do I receive my CD book and fee money?
CD book money is disbursed twice a year, once at the beginning of each semester according to the following Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule. Fees are paid directly to the College twice a year.
How many credits do I have to take to be eligible for CD financial aid?
In most instances, you must register and maintain enrollment as a full-time student (you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits or equated credits towards your degree) in order to be eligible for CD financial aid.
If, for any reason, your course load falls below 12 credits or equated credits, but not fewer than 9 credits, you must see your CD counselor to verify your continued eligibility for program funds.
What if I go to summer school?
Entering freshmen who have to take remedial courses will be required to participate in the College’s Summer Immersion program prior to their first semester of enrollment as a prerequisite to participating in the CD program.
Once you have been accepted as a CD student, you may be eligible to receive CD financial aid (books and fees) for attending summer classes. Eligible summer school enrollment is 6 or more credits or equated credits. You must file your financial aid applications before the summer school deadline (as established by the Financial Aid Office) in order to receive these funds.
