Grants from the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
If you plan to attend college within New York state, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) can provide grant money to help offset the cost of your college expenses. You can apply for a TAP grant using either an online or paper application. If you complete your FAFSA online, you will be able to link to an online TAP application where you can register for a PIN (personal identification number) that allows you to access your information in the future and electronically sign your applications.
If you decide to complete a paper TAP application, the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will mail you an Express TAP Application (ETA) about three weeks after you submit the FAFSA. This application will arrive preprinted with relevant information taken from your FAFSA. Be sure to review the ETA for errors, and then sign and submit it as quickly as possible. You will receive a TAP grant only if you submit the application.
Scholarships
Privately funded scholarships are a great way to reduce the amount of tuition and fees that you and your family have to pay, as well as lower the amount of loans the college expects you to take out to help cover the cost of tuition. While all federal and state financial aid is based upon your family’s financial need, private scholarships can be either need- or merit-based.
Many organizations offer scholarships to students with particular talents in areas such as academics, sports, visual and performing arts, leadership and community service. New Visions' annual scholarship guide has hundreds of listings. Check with your guidance counselor during your junior and senior years to learn about the scholarships available to students at your school. Also check with businesses in your neighborhood and ask your parents or guardians to inquire if their employers offer scholarship programs.
Also ask the financial aid offices at the colleges to which you are applying what they offer for scholarships and student work programs.
Financial aid plus academic support
A number of state- and city-funded programs provide financial aid and academic support called “opportunity programs” to New York City students who are economically disadvantaged. Among them: