APTS (Aid for Part-Time Study)
This New York State grant program is for part-time matriculated undergraduate students who meet income requirements and are New York State residents. In addition, an applicant must be a United States citizen, or have permanent resident or refugee status. Students must be enrolled for 6 to 11 credits. Students must make academic progress toward a degree in accordance with the NYS TAP/APTS program pursuit and academic progress requirements and must not have exhausted TAP eligibility.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program designed to help undergraduate matriculated students meet the cost of education. Eligibility and award amounts are based on financial need. Awards range from $328.50 to $3097.50 per term, depending on the student’s cost of attendance & enrollment status. Students must apply by completing a FAFSA each year, and continue to make satisfactory academic progress in a degree-granting program. Students must not owe repayment on any federal grants or be in default of a student loan.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Students are only eligible to receive an equivalent of six years of Federal Pell funding (or 600% lifetime eligibility).
Please note that eligible students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant award in one award year. Eligibility for the additional Pell Grant funds depends, in part, on Summer enrollment (please note that enrolling in the Summer does not guarantee eligibility for the additional funds and that usage of the additional funds counts towards the 600% lifetime eligibility). For details regarding additional Pell Grant (commonly referred to as “Year-Round Pell”), please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
The Federal SEOG program is for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are enrolled at least half-time. The awards can range from $200 to $400. To maintain eligibility, students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress and meet all the requirements for the Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. The FWS program provides part-time employment while students are enrolled in school. Students can participate in paid community service work in after-school programs or in city agencies. Any full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits per semester) matriculated student who can demonstrate financial need may be eligible for a part-time job either on or off campus through this federal work study program. Students are limited to working 20 hours a week . The hourly pay rate is $15/hour for Undergraduate students and $16/hour for Graduate students. The rate is subject to change based on the job location (on or off campus) and the description of the job.
Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) Program
This special program is for a limited number of New York State residents entering college for the first time who are in need of academic counseling and economic support. Economic eligibility for the SEEK Program must be determined before a student enrolls for their first semester. Students who apply to the SEEK Program must also file the FAFSA and TAP applications. Students who show need under state financial aid guidelines may be eligible for funds to cover the student activity fee and the cost of books. Students must be registered full-time to receive these funds. For information regarding academic criteria, see the SEEK Program information in Chapter 3.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
This New York State tuition grant program is available to full-time matriculated students who have been legal residents of New York State for at least one year. Awards, which range from $250 to the cost of tuition per semester, vary according to financial ability and may be used solely to pay the cost of tuition. Applicants applying as independent students must meet special requirements. Awards are granted for only eight semesters, however SEEK students are eligible for ten semesters.
TAP requires a student to be in good academic standing each semester and also to be registered for classes required for their program of study. Students are advised to use the DegreeWorks degree audit program and/or FACTS to assist in identifying the required classes needed to complete their program of study.
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Through the passage of the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act qualifying undocumented students can apply for State Financial Aid and Scholarships including the Tuition Assistance Program and the Excelsior Scholarship. To determine your eligibility, learn about details and to apply please visit:
For information regarding Federal Financial Aid please view the FAQ for Undocumented Students: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/financial-aid-and-undocumented-students.pdf