APTS (Aid for Part-Time Study)
This New York State grant program is for part-time matriculated undergraduate students who meet income requirements and are New York State residents. In addition, an applicant must be a United States citizen, or have permanent resident or refugee status. Students must be enrolled for 6 to 11 credits. Students must make academic progress toward a degree in accordance with the NYS TAP/APTS program pursuit and academic progress requirements and must not have exhausted TAP eligibility.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program designed to help undergraduate matriculated students meet the cost of education. Eligibility and award amounts are based on financial need. Awards range from $305.50 to $3047.50 per semester, depending on cost of attendance and full- or part-time enrollment status. Students must apply each year and continue to make satisfactory academic progress in a degree program. Students must not owe repayment on any federal grants or be in default of a student loan.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Students are only eligible to receive an equivalent of six years of Federal Pell funding. Since the amount of a scheduled Pell Grant award you can receive each award year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%.
In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year. For example, if you are eligible for a $2,000 Pell Grant for the award year, and are enrolled full-time for both the fall and spring semesters, you’ll likely receive $1,000 in the fall and $1,000 in the spring. However, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in the summer semester (resulting in your receiving 150% of your original award). You might hear this situation being referred to as “year-round Pell.” For details, contact the Financial Aid office.
Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
The Federal SEOG program is for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are enrolled at least half-time. The awards can range from $200 to $400. To maintain eligibility, students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress and meet all the requirements for the Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal Work Study
Any full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits per semester) matriculated student who can demonstrate financial need may be eligible for a part-time job either on or off campus through this federal financial aid program. Students are limited to working 20 hours a week while the College is in session, but they may work up to 35 hours a week during vacation periods with permission of the Financial Aid Office. The hourly pay rate is $15/hour for Undergraduate students and $16/hour for Graduate students. The rate is subject to change based on the job location (on or off campus), the description of the job, and the student’s year in college.
Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) Program
This special program is for a limited number of New York State residents entering college for the first time who are in need of academic counseling and economic support. Economic eligibility for the SEEK Program must be determined before a student enrolls for their first semester. Students who apply to the SEEK Program must also file the FAFSA and TAP applications. Students who show need under state financial aid guidelines may be eligible for funds to cover the student activity fee and the cost of books. Students must be registered full-time to receive these funds. For information regarding academic criteria, see the SEEK Program information in Chapter 3.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
This New York State tuition grant program is available to full-time matriculated students who have been legal residents of New York State for at least one year. Awards, which range from $250 to the cost of tuition per semester, vary according to financial ability and may be used solely to pay the cost of tuition. Applicants applying as independent students must meet special requirements. Awards are granted for only eight semesters, however SEEK students are eligible for ten semesters.
TAP requires a student to be in good academic standing each semester and also to be registered for classes in their degree. Students are advised to use the DegreeWorks degree audit program and/or FACTS to assist in identifying find the required classes needed to complete their program of study.