Direct grants currently of up to $5,165 per year are made to full-time (12 new credits a semester) matriculated students who have resided in New York State for at least one year and are making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree. Maximum usage is for eight semesters. The amount of the grant is determined by the amount of net taxable income reported on New York State income tax returns for the student and parents. Net taxable income equals gross income minus all exemptions and deductions. If more than one member of the student's family is attending a college or other approved school on a full-time basis, the net taxable income is reduced by $3,000 for the second family member and by $2,000 for each additional family member. The maximum net taxable income cut-off for first-time dependent and independent (married or with dependents) undergraduate recipients as of today is $80,000. The maximum net taxable income cut-off for Independent undergraduate students who are unmarried or have no tax dependents as of today is $10,000. NYS reserves the right to change their laws each year when they vote on the state budget.

New York State residents who are children of certain deceased and disabled veterans will receive $450 per year for attendance at institutions in New York State. Applications should be made through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYS HESC). Contact them at 1-(888)-NYS-HESC or visit the New York State HESC website for more information.

Awards for full-time study are available to New York State residents who are children of deceased police officers, firefighters, or correction officers of New York State, or any of its municipalities, who died as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Application may be made through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYS HESC).  Contact them at 1-(888)-NYS-HESC or visit the New York State HESC website for more information.

Grants of up to $1,000 per semester are available to matriculated undergraduate students enrolled for 3 to 11 credits per semester. A 2.00 QPA is required, and eligibility is restricted to New York State residents. To qualify, the New York State Net Taxable Income must be less than $34,250 for independent students and $50,550 for dependent students and independent students with dependent children or other qualified dependents. Students must have financial need. NYS reserves the right to change their laws each year when they vote on the state budget. Students who file in the Fall will automatically be renewed for the Spring semester, if they continue to meet program requirements.

Enrolled members of New York State nations or tribes and their children who are New York State residents may obtain grants up to $1,750 a year for up to five years of attendance in an accredited college or university located in New York State. Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Indian Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Room 478 EBA, Albany, NY 12234.

This program provides financial assistance to help Vietnam Veterans, Persian Gulf Veterans and Afghanistan Veterans, studying on either a full-time or part-time basis, meet tuition charges. For full-time study, veterans are eligible for an award equal to the amount of undergraduate tuition for New York State residents charged by the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less.

For part-time study, awards are prorated by credit hour. Part-time study for Veterans Tuition Awards is defined as at least three but fewer than twelve semester hours (or the equivalent) at degree-granting institutions.

New York State offers 220 Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships for students enrolled in an approved program leading to a degree in one of the following areas at Pace University: accountancy (CPA), nurse practitioner, physical therapy, physician assistant, psychology (doctorate), law (JD) or social work (master's). Awards are restricted to full-time, matriculated New York State residents. Selection is limited to those who are economically disadvantaged and/or who are members of a minority group that is historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.

The scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually based on gross income and cost of education. The total of the scholarship and any TAP award received may not exceed the cost of education. Scholarships may cover up to four years of study for a standard baccalaureate degree. Scholarship recipients must enter into an approved practice within New York State in the field of study for which the scholarship was granted. The service requirement is one year for each annual scholarship payment received.

For additional information and application forms, write or call:

NYS Education Department
Bureau of HEOP/VATEA/Scholarships
Education Building Addition
Room 1071
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 486-1319