Governor Kathy Hochul has declared April as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York, launching a statewide effort to connect students and families with the resources they need to afford college and unlock life-changing opportunities.
The initiative builds on a historic expansion of the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), passed in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, and comes as new data shows TAP significantly boosts college completion rates and helps more New Yorkers graduate.
“Far too often, students and families miss out on the full scope of financial aid opportunities available to them,” Governor 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.”
Throughout April, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host over 20 events across the state to help students complete their FAFSA and TAP applications. Already this academic year, more than 10,500 students have participated in HESC outreach, gaining essential knowledge about financial aid programs.
Studies show that 90 percent of students who complete the FAFSA enroll in college immediately after high school — compared to just 55 percent of those who do not. During last year’s awareness month, more than 390,000 FAFSA forms and 23,000 TAP applications were submitted in New York.
HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares said programs like TAP are essential to student success. “Through targeted outreach and education during Financial Aid Awareness Month, HESC emphasizes the importance of programs like TAP, empowering students to achieve academic and professional success.”
Additional scholarships are now open for applications, including the New York State Masters in Education Teaching Incentive Scholarship and the STEM Incentive Program. TAP applications for the 2024-25 academic year remain open through June 30, 2025.
Recent performance data underscores TAP’s impact. Over 70 percent of TAP-supported students graduated within six years, with on-time graduation rates climbing steadily. Transfer students from two-year to four-year programs posted a 71 percent completion rate — nearly 10 points above the national average.
Governor Hochul’s universal FAFSA initiative and targeted aid expansions aim to eliminate financial barriers to higher education. Financial Aid Awareness Month reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all New Yorkers.
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