ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – New York’s primary need-based grant program for college students has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
The Tuition Assistance Program saw undergraduate recipients drop by 77,000 students, or 21%, with steep declines among two-year programs at 45%, private-sector schools at 40% and lowest income households at 38%.
“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” DiNapoli said. “Updating award criteria so that TAP continues to be a useful support for families is needed to help New York retain talent and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”
Award amounts lag behind costs
Between the 2008-09 and 2024-25 academic years, the average award increased only 21% to $2,643, while inflation rose 44% during the same period. State University of New York and City University of New York tuition grew more than three times faster over the same timeframe…