TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)

Web: http://www.hesc.ny.gov/
Phone#: 1-888-NYS-HESC
Hofstra TAP code:

• undergrad=0300

 

What is TAP?
A tuition only award for undergraduate students.
It is only for US citizens/permanent resident aliens who are NYS residents attending a NYS approved college/institution full time.
Students must make academic progress as defined in the college Bulletin to continue to receive TAP.

How do I apply for TAP?
A link to the TAP application will be generated by filing the FAFSA.  If you filed the paper FAFSA, you will receive a paper ETA or you can apply online at www.hesc.ny.gov

How many credits do I have to register for to apply for TAP?
12 credits minimum per semester

What is the TAP award based on?
The TAP awards are based on you and your family’s New York State net taxable income, plus any Federal, State or Local pension income, if applicable.

How will I receive my TAP award?
Hofstra does not award TAP. A TAP estimate may appear on your financial aid award letter from Hofstra and NYSHESC will send your estimated TAP award certificate directly to you. You can send a copy of the TAP certificate to the Student Financial Services department but you don’t have to. Student Financial Services will eventually get the information from TAP through computer processes. TAP (New York State Tuition Assistance Program) will disburse to the student’s account approximately 7-8 weeks into the term after the absolute last day to register.

How do I change a school code?
Online at www.hesc.ny.gov or you can also call TAP at 1-888-NYS-HESC to change your school code.

How do I change my address for TAP?
Online at www.hesc.ny.gov

Is there a limit to the number of semesters I can receive TAP?
Yes, undergraduates are limited to 8 semesters of TAP.
HEOP (NOAH at Hofstra) students are limited to 10 semesters of TAP.
TAP is actually based on a point system.
You are allowed:

• a maximum of 48 points for four years of full time undergraduate study or eight years of part time undergraduate study
• a maximum of 60 points if you are enrolled in an approved five year undergraduate program such as NOAH

Do I need to provide Hofstra University any additional information for me to receive TAP?
Yes. All students receiving TAP must submit proof of U.S. high school completion (final high school transcript, high school diploma, or G.E.D.). This documentation must be submitted by the first day of class of the first semester the student will receive the TAP award. Failure to submit the necessary documentation may result in losing eligibility for that semester’s award.

Do repeat courses count towards being a full-time student for TAP purposes?
No. Repeat courses will not count towards full-time enrollment for TAP consideration. The only instances where repeat courses will count towards TAP full-time consideration is if the student must re-take repeated course(s) in question due to a specific grade requirement that was not satisfied.

Must I declare a major (or specific major) to receive TAP?
Yes. Students receiving TAP must be enrolled in an approved degree program to be eligible for TAP. Students must declare a major no later than 30 days after the end of the add/drop period of the first semester of their junior year to satisfy this requirement of Satisfactory Academic Progress/Pursuit of Program. Failure to declare a major by the deadline will result in the student losing TAP eligibility for the remainder of their time at Hofstra University. Students are allowed to change their majors after the deadline

How can I check to see if I am eligible to receive my TAP award?
Hofstra uses the following chart to determine satisfactory academic progress for TAP awards as follows:

* * (The 9th and 10th payments are for approved 5 year program students only.)

* * (The 9th and 10th payments are for approved 5 year program students only.)

* * (The 9th and 10th payments are for approved 5 year program students only.)

Program pursuit requires the student receive a passing or failing grade in a certain percentage of the full-time minimum course load of 12 credits. During the first year of study, a student must secure a passing or failing grade in a minimum of 6 credits per semester, (50 percent of the minimum full-time course load); during the second year, 9 credits per semester (75 percent of the full-time course load); and during the third and fourth years, 12 credits per semester (100 percent of the minimum full-time course load). Grades of W, UW and permanent INC are not acceptable in meeting the pursuit requirement.

A one-time waiver is available for students who fail these standards due to unforeseen circumstances. Examples of unforeseen circumstances are severe medical problems or change of major field of study. Further information about the waiver is available from your student financial services counselor.

For more information on TAP, follow this link