At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Tuition assistance up to $5,665 annually; the actual award depends on income, dependency, tuition and other award factors. Part-time and approved non-degree awards are prorated, so the full-time estimate is not a promised payment.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- Income / financial rules
- NYS net taxable income, not a general household-income estimate: up to $125,000 for dependent undergraduates, independent students with tax dependents, and qualifying orphan/foster/ward-of-court students since age 13; up to $60,000 for independent married students without tax dependents; up to $30,000 for independent single students without tax dependents.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- Who to check first
- Normally a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen with 12 continuous months of New York legal residence. The NYS DREAM Act provides a separate eligibility route; establish that eligibility before applying through that route.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- Application timing
- June 30, 2027 for 2026–27. HESC separately lists June 30, 2028 for 2027–28; verify the intended year and college processing requirements.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
Choose the correct application cycle
Status was reviewed on Oct 16, 2026. A filing window, a priority date and an award decision are different steps. Check the official programme before acting.
2026–27 academic year
Confirm cycle timingAid-form filing
- Final filing
Use the eligibility checklist and confirm the terms for this cycle. Published amounts do not establish your award.
Submitting an aid form does not confirm programme eligibility or an award.
2027–28 academic year
Confirm cycle timingAid-form filing
- Final filing
Funding amounts and eligibility for this cycle have not been reviewed here. Earlier-cycle figures are not estimates for this one.
Submitting an aid form does not confirm programme eligibility or an award.
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Choose the correct academic year, complete the FAFSA and the separate TAP application, or complete the DREAM Act application if that is your eligibility path. These applications are required each year for payment.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- 2If you did not complete TAP through the FAFSA link, use HESC’s separate “Apply for TAP” link on the official page. Check your dependency category and NYS net taxable income rather than substituting a broad household-income band.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- 3Before enrolling, ask the college which full-time, part-time or approved non-degree branch covers your actual programme and applicable credits. For a non-degree course, use HESC’s linked SUNY/CUNY eligible-program lists and confirm remaining TAP eligibility.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
- 4Confirm the award against actual tuition and registered credits; a part-time full-time-equivalent estimate is adjusted. Use HESC’s help resources if the application or award needs clarification.As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Tuition assistance up to $5,665 annually; the actual award depends on income, dependency, tuition and other award factors. Part-time and approved non-degree awards are prorated, so the full-time estimate is not a promised payment.
Is there an income limit?
NYS net taxable income, not a general household-income estimate: up to $125,000 for dependent undergraduates, independent students with tax dependents, and qualifying orphan/foster/ward-of-court students since age 13; up to $60,000 for independent married students without tax dependents; up to $30,000 for independent single students without tax dependents.
When should I apply?
June 30, 2027 for 2026–27. HESC separately lists June 30, 2028 for 2027–28; verify the intended year and college processing requirements.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.