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 $299.00 to $2,907.50 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. A student may receive up to the equivalent of six semesters of Pell.
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 Pell Grant.
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 $11 and is determined by the Financial Aid Office based on a combination of 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 his or her 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, 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 his or her degree. Students are advised to use the DegreeWorks degree audit program to find the required classes needed.