Ability to benefit

For students who first receive awards in the 2007-2008 academic year, section 661(4)(e) of the Education Law now specifies that a student who does not have a U.S. high school diploma or the recognized equivalent must receive a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test that has been identified by the NYS Board of Regents as satisfying the eligibility requirements of this section and that has been independently administered and evaluated as defined by the Commissioner of Education.  Foreign high school diplomas will no longer be accepted for eligibility for TAP awards.

In September 2007, the Regents approved four ability-to-benefit tests to be used to determine eligibility for State financial aid: the Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS, and CELSA (Combined English Language Skills Assessment).  The CELSA is approved providing the applicant also takes a math component from one of the other approved tests.  This requirement applies to students at eligible institutions receiving their first award in 2007-2008.

NOTE:  This is a New York State requirement for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility only.  This is not a test the University would have required of you for admission.  The test must be “independently administered and evaluated” as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department.

NEW YORK STATE APPROVED ABILITY TO BENEFIT TESTS

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