Governor Kathy Hochul has declared April as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York, launching a statewide effort to connect students and families with critical resources to make college more affordable.
“Far too often, students and families miss out on the full scope of financial aid opportunities available to them,” Hochul said. “That’s why we’re making it a top priority to connect every student with the resources they need to afford college, earn their degree and build a brighter future here in our state.”
The announcement builds on a historic expansion of New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) passed in the recently enacted state budget. It also follows the launch of the universal FAFSA completion initiative, aimed at boosting college enrollment and completion rates by ensuring students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Data underscores the impact of financial aid. Students who complete FAFSA are 35 percent more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school. During last year’s Financial Aid Awareness Month, over 390,000 FAFSA forms and 23,000 TAP applications were submitted.
This April, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host more than 20 events to help families understand and apply for aid. More than 10,500 students have already participated in financial aid events this academic year.
“Through targeted outreach and education during Financial Aid Awareness Month, HESC emphasizes the importance of programs like TAP,” said HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares. “Data like this proves what we already know about TAP — it’s vital to ensuring New Yorkers have the resources and opportunities to pursue their education goals.”
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa called financial aid “the key to reducing the financial barriers to higher education,” while SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. noted that over half of SUNY’s in-state full-time students attend tuition-free.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said Financial Aid Awareness Month allows the university system to “redouble education and outreach” to ensure students file their FAFSA and TAP applications.
New opportunities this month include the opening of applications for the Masters in Education Teaching Incentive Scholarship, which supports graduate students pursuing public school teaching careers, and the STEM Incentive Program, aimed at strengthening New York’s tech workforce.
TAP performance data also highlights long-term benefits. More than 70 percent of TAP-funded students completed their degrees, with on-time graduation rates improving and transfer students from two-year to four-year colleges posting the highest completion rates.
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman emphasized the program’s importance for underserved communities. “Financial Aid Awareness Month is about more than just deadlines and forms — it’s about equity, opportunity, and ensuring that every student…has a real shot at a college education,” she said.
Students and families are encouraged to attend HESC events and submit their FAFSA and TAP applications before upcoming deadlines. More information is available on the HESC website.
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