Funding and continuation of New York state programs are contingent upon approval of the state budget. Complete and up-to-date information about New York state programs can also be found at hesc.ny.gov.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Application Procedures

New York state residents who submit a FAFSA indicating at least one New York state college can apply electronically at the end of the FAFSA process or go to hesc.ny.gov.

The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) determines the applicant’s eligibility and the amount of the grant. Niagara will defer payment on the basis of receipt of the award certificate. Actual payment is received after the school certifies student eligibility.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Tuition Assistance Program is an entitlement program. There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. The applicant must:

1. be a New York state resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien;
2. be enrolled full-time (12 credits) and matriculated in an approved program at a New York state postsecondary institution;
3. meet income eligibility requirements;
4. not be in default on any federal student loan or state award; and
5. have a valid Social Security number.

All income data are subject to verification with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Undergraduate students may receive TAP awards for eight full-time semesters. Students enrolled in the Niagara University Opportunity Program may receive undergraduate awards for 10 full-time semesters. Students must have at least a C average after receipt of two annual payments (four semesters).

Award Schedule

The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to New York net taxable income. Undergraduate students who are dependent or who are financially independent and married or have tax dependents: $80,000 net taxable income or less. Single independent with no dependents: $10,000 net taxable income or less. Income is adjusted for other family members in full-time college attendance. Based on current schedules, awards for first-time recipients range from $500-$5,565 for dependent or independent undergraduates with dependents. Single independent students’ (no dependents) awards range from $500-$3,525 per year. TAP awards are reduced by $100 per year for students who have received four or more payments. TAP award amounts are dependent upon action in each year’s New York state budget.

Rights and Responsibilities of Recipients

Students must maintain normal satisfactory academic progress as well as be monitored for pursuit of program as follows. During

• the first year that TAP is received, students must complete (all grades except W) six credit hours per semester;
• the second year, nine credit hours per semester;
• subsequent years, 12 credit hours per semester.

Failure to pursue their program at the above rate will result in a loss of TAP for the following semester. Students not achieving a C average after four TAP payments lose TAP eligibility.

New York Part-Time TAP

Application Procedure

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must also complete the TAP application. File both electronically at www.fafsa.gov.

This program is available to students whom meet the following criteria.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Students taking 6 to 11 credits who have maintained a “C” average (2.00 GPA). Students must be a legal resident of New York State, a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, matriculated in an approved undergraduate degree program, not be in default on a federal student loan and not be in any repayment of state awards, meet income eligibility limitations, and not have exhausted Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility.

Award Schedule

Awards are based on New York state net taxable income and are prorated based on the current TAP schedule and number of credit hours taken. A Part-Time TAP award cannot exceed tuition charges.

Rights and Responsibilities of Recipients

Students must maintain good academic standing.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Chart for TAP

This chart is used for New York state student financial aid purposes.

Calendar: Semester Program: Baccalaureate Program

Academic Progress Chart

Before Being Certified for This Payment	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
A Student must have Accured at Least This Many Credits	0	6	15	27	39	51	66	81	96	111
With At Least This Grade Point Average	0	1.5	1.8	1.8	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0

TAP Waiver

New York state regulations permit students to receive a one-time waiver of the good academic standing requirement as an undergraduate student if there are extenuating circumstances. To receive such a waiver, the student should be able to prove one of the following:

1. Illness or death in the student’s family;
2. Serious illness of the student; or
3. Academic hardship.

In addition to the one-time good academic standing waiver, a student may apply for a waiver of the C average requirement for TAP based on

• the death of a student’s relative;
• the student’s personal illness or injury; or
• other extenuating circumstance.

This must be documented and relate to circumstances that have affected the student’s ability to achieve a cumulative C average as of the end of a particular semester. The C average wavier is separate from the one-time good academic standing waiver and may be granted more than once if circumstances warrant.

Applications for TAP waivers are available from the chair of the satisfactory academic progress committee in the Academic Success Center, Seton Hall. The application must contain supporting documentation and the waiver is not automatic. The waiver must be approved by the chair and the director of Financial Aid.

Please see hesc.ny.gov to view a complete listing of all New York state awards, grants and scholarships.

Niagara University Opportunity Program (NUOP) (HEOP)

The Niagara University Opportunity Program is a comprehensive program designed for students who have the potential for and interest in furthering their education but are not admissible to Niagara University. The ultimate goal of the program is to make higher education possible for students who are both educationally underprepared and economically disadvantaged. Thus NUOP offers both support services and financial assistance to eligible students.

The Niagara University Opportunity Program is funded jointly by the university and the New York State Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

Application Procedures

Application is made through the admissions office at Niagara University.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

The applicant must be:

1. a New York state resident;
2. a matriculated undergraduate student at an independent college or university in New York state;
3. academically and economically disadvantaged according to guidelines approved by the New York Board of Regents.

Selection of eligible applicants for participation in HEOP is conducted by the Niagara University Opportunity Program.

Award Schedule

The amount of financial assistance and other support provided to HEOP participants is dependent on need as determined by Niagara University and the program, within the state guidelines. The university provides institutional money through the Niagara University Opportunity Program (NUOP).