New York State offers a variety of scholarship programs for state residents based on financial need, academic excellence, areas of study, and military service.

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New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

A need-based grant program administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. TAP grants are available to New York State residents enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State. Awards are based on New York State taxable income.

Part-time TAP awards are available to New York State residents attending eligible New York State postsecondary institutions on a part-time basis. Eligibility is based on income and academic standing.

To Apply: Complete your FAFSA online, then link directly from your FAFSA confirmation page to apply for TAP.

NYIT's TAP Codes: Undergraduate: 2120 | Graduate: 5455.
While graduate students cannot receive TAP, they may be eligible for other state aid, which requires a TAP code. Veteran students can apply for veteran state aid, and will need this code.

Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act

An award in which undocumented students and certain other students may now apply for financial aid under the Senator Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act (NYS DREAM Act). Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of the NYS DREAM Act can now apply for TAP (through June 30, 2020).

To Apply: Please visit the HESC website to view the eligibility requirements for applying for financial aid under the DREAM Act. Students meeting the NYS Dream Act eligibility criteria can apply for one or more HESC-administered grant and scholarship programs here, and be directed to the NYS DREAM Act application powered by International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS).

New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Awarded to outstanding graduates from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. For up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State.

If awarded and to receive payment of the scholarship, the student must submit an application for payment to HESC by June 30 of each year for which assistance is sought. Application for payment is made by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS TAP on the Web application.

To Apply: See your high school guidance counselor for application information and procedures.

New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)

The New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS) provides high school graduates who excel academically with $500 in merit-based scholarships to support their cost of attendance at any college or university located in New York State.

If awarded the NYS-AIMS and to receive payment, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Payment of State Grants, Scholarships and Awards Application each year to receive payment.

To Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and NYS TAP on the Web application.

New York State Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program

The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides award for full-time study up to the annual tuition charged to NYS resident students attending an undergraduate program at the State University of New York (SUNY), or actual tuition charged, whichever is less, for the top 10 percent of students in each New York State high school if they pursue a STEM degree in an associates or bachelor degree program and agree to work in a STEM field in New York State for 5 years after graduation.

To Apply: Complete and submit the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program Application. Be sure to print the Application Confirmation, sign and submit it, along with the required documentation, according to the instructions.

New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program

The New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program provides grants to eligible full-time undergraduate or graduate students in approved programs that lead to math or science teaching careers in secondary education.

If awarded the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program and to receive payment, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Payment of State Grants, Scholarships and Awards Application each year to receive payment.

To Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and NYS TAP on the Web application.

New York State Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship

The NYS MERIT Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces or state organized militia who, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while performing their military duties, whether in combat or not. Students must:

• Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State.
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, or have a high school equivalency diploma earned through passing the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), formally known as the GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester.
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study.
• Be in good academic standing.
• Not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards.

To Apply: Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and TAP on the Web application, along with the Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarships Web Supplement. Be sure to print the web supplement, sign and submit it, along with the required documentation, according to the instructions.