Governor Hochul Announces the Opening of Key New York State College Aid Applications for the 2026-27 Academic Yea

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and STEM Incentive Program Applications Now Being Accepted

FAFSA Provides Access to Federal Grants and Additional Programs

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now open for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available, providing students with access to critical federal resources. Together, these programs provide a powerful combination of state and federal support to help New York students and families make higher education more affordable and accessible.

“Programs like TAP and the STEM Incentive Program are vital in providing New York students with the financial support and opportunities they need to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “Equally important is completing the FAFSA, which opens the door to essential federal financial aid. These programs help students to overcome financial barriers, access quality education, and create a stronger future for themselves and their communities.”

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

With approximately $800 million awarded each year, TAP is one of the most robust need-based financial aid programs in the nation. Governor Hochul’s recent historic expansions have made more students eligible to receive TAP, and New York is already seeing the results. Nearly 38,000 students who have become newly eligible are now receiving awards, contributing to more than $71 million in aid to students and their families. Together with the increased income thresholds and expanded access for part-time and non-degree students, New York is opening doors of opportunity to help ensure more residents can pursue higher education with the financial support they need to succeed.

NYS STEM Incentive Program

The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides scholarships that cover the cost of tuition to eligible students who are in the top 10 percent of high school graduates who pursue STEM degrees at SUNY or CUNY colleges. Recipients must commit to working in a STEM field in New York State for five years after graduation, helping to strengthen New York in critical industries. Learn more or apply for STEM here.

Students who do not meet citizenship and residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, such as the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Pathway. Learn more about the available options by visiting the Applying for Aid webpage.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps for students planning to attend college. The application determines eligibility for federal aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and low-interest federal student loans, and is also used to help determine eligibility for state programs such as TAP, Excelsior, and STEM.

To ensure New York students aren’t missing out on hundreds of millions in federal financial aid, Governor Hochul introduced the Universal FAFSA Completion legislation, which requires graduating high school seniors to complete the application. This landmark initiative is helping students access the financial aid they qualify for, making higher education more affordable and accessible for students and their families. Since enacting, completions have increased by nearly 12% throughout the state, making New York State sixth in the nation for FAFSA completions.

Students applying for the 2026–27 academic year are encouraged to submit their financial aid applications as soon as possible. The 2026–27 FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications are open until June 30, 2027. Those seeking TAP assistance for the current 2025–26 academic year must submit their applications by June 30, 2026.

Students interested in the NYS STEM Incentive Program for the 2026–27 academic year must apply by August 15, 2026.

For detailed information regarding eligibility, application guidelines, and additional resources, students and families are encouraged to visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website at hesc.ny.gov.