New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
General Eligibility Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of New York State and enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits/semester). Eligibility for TAP is based on the combined New York State Net Taxable Income of the student applicant and parent(s) and not to exceed $80,000.
In addition, returning students must maintain satisfactory academic progress based on the following guidelines in order to remain eligible for the TAP as well as NYS Merit aid programs:
| Before being certified for this payment | A student must have sucessfully completed at least this many credits | With at least this GPA |
| 1st | 0 | 0 |
| 2nd | 6 | 1.67 |
| 3rd | 18 | 1.85 |
| 4th | 30 | 2.0 |
| 5th | 45 | 2.0 |
| 6th | 60 | 2.0 |
| 7th | 72 | 2.0 |
| 8th | 84 | 2.0 |
| 9th | 96 | 2.0 |
| 10th | 111 | 2.0 |
Application Process:
The TAP program requires completion of both the FAFSA and the TAP Application.
HESC Access Links:
If you have started your TAP application you can use the following link and select “Review My NYS Financial Aid Information”: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/repay-your-loans/my-hesc-account-access.html
If you have not started your TAP application, please use the following link: https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/
After HESC processes your completed TAP application you will receive either a request for further information, or notification indicating your eligibility and the amount of your award. Please respond promptly to any request for further information by HESC – Contact the Financial Aid Office if you need assistance.
Final determination of eligibility (and the steps required to determine that eligibility) rests with the Higher Education Services Corporation.
Disbursement to Student’s Account:
The estimated TAP award for the fall term that is part of your financial aid package will appear as an estimated credit in the billing system until October. If TAP documentation requirements have not been completed, the estimated award will no longer appear as a credit on your November billing statement.
Adjustments to Skidmore Need-based Grants:
If the actual TAP award is less than the amount estimated by Financial Aid, your Skidmore Grant will be increased so that the total of your TAP award plus Skidmore Grant remains constant. Similarly, if the actual TAP award is greater than the amount estimated by Financial Aid, your Skidmore Grant will be reduced. TAP will not be replaced by Skidmore Grant funding if a student does not complete the TAP application or HESC’s request for further information.
NEW YORK STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS
A Skidmore College student must be registered for a minimum of twelve semester hours of credit in the fall semester and a minimum of twelve semester hours of credit in the spring semester, and must meet the three following regulations, established by the state Board of Regents, in order to remain eligible for payments:
- Approved Program- a student must formally declare a major not later than the beginning of their junior year.
- Program Pursuit- a student must receive a passing or failing grade in a minimum of:
- Six semester hours in each semester of study in the first year in which an award is made;
- Nine semester hours in each semester of study in the second year in which an award is made;
- Twelve semester hours in each semester of study in each succeeding year.
- Grades of W (withdrawal) or I (incomplete) will not satisfy this requirement.
- Academic Progress- students must meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress.
Waivers for Students Not In Good Standing
- Two types
- Waiver of Pursuit of Program and/or Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements for Receipt of State Financial Aid
A Skidmore student who does not maintain either the Program Pursuit or Satisfactory Progress standards may qualify for a one-time waiver if:
- The student can document that the reason for failure to maintain standards was the result of an extenuating circumstance that can be documented; and
- The student receives permission for such a waiver after submission of documentation to the Registrar.
A waiver is not automatically granted for any student and is not intended to provide an additional semester of aid to a student who has used poor judgment or has been academically irresponsible. Waiver requests will follow Skidmore's established academic review process. Students will be expected to meet prescribed standards thereafter.
- Waiver of C-Average
It is required that a student have a C average or better after the student has received 4 semester payments to be eligible for further awards. In other words, a student seeking a fifth semester award payment must have a C average.
Students can regain eligibility in one of two ways:
- Complete additional coursework without State support until a C average is achieved.
- The student receives permission for such a waiver after submission of documentation to the Registrar
A waiver is not automatically granted for any student and is not intended to provide an additional semester of aid to a student who has used poor judgment or has been academically irresponsible. Waiver requests will follow Skidmore's established academic review process. Students will be expected to meet prescribed standards thereafter.
Additional Assistance
If you are having difficulties with your TAP application, please contact HESC at 1-888-697-4372. Additionally, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office at 518-580-5750.
For more information about the TAP program, go to www.hesc.ny.gov and select “Students, Families & Counselors”.