Helping New Yorkers go to college
The programs and services administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) help hundreds of thousands of New York State students and their families plan for college and careers, learn about and apply for available financial aid — federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and more.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, New York’s flagship, need-based college grant program, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition at approved colleges throughout New York State, with annual awards of up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. In 2013–2014, HESC helped more than 388,000 students achieve their college dreams by providing more than $984 million in grants, scholarships and student loan forgiveness benefits. At HESC.ny.gov you’ll find resources for the following.
College and career planning
Your high school plan Exploring New York’s colleges Choosing a college Choosing a career and course of study
Saving for college
New York’s 529 College Savings plan is a flexible, convenient low-cost way to save for college. Anyone — parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and friends — can open an account with New York’s 529 College Savings program and enjoy tax advantages, flexibility, low costs and convenience while helping a child go to college.
Paying for college
New York’s Tuition Assistance Program ( TAP) Scholarships and awards, including New York’s STEM Scholarship Incentive Program Calculators and tools to customize college financing, compare financial aid award letters, and more Federal loans, private loans, and smart borrowing strategies Guidelines for applying for financial aid
Applying for financial aid
Direct link to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application
Ready, set, GoCollegeNY
If you’ve been thinking about going to college, but don’t know where to start and have a million questions, GoCollegeNY.org will guide you with simple steps to put you on the right path.
At GoCollegeNY you’ll find the tools and encouragement to make college a reality. Here are some of what you’ll learn. Why college is important for your future The right classes and steps to take now How to choose the right college for you How you can afford and pay for college How to succeed at college once you get there