$2.5 million have been allocated for the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) in the NYS FY 2025 Budget.
Hostos Community College is delighted to announce its support for the recently approved New York State Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) Budget, which includes significant enhancements to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). These changes signify a monumental advancement in making higher education more accessible and affordable for New York high schoolers and those enrolled in non-degree programs.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, the NY State Legislature, and all the advocates who have tirelessly championed our cause, ensuring that community colleges and CUNY institutions receive the support we need in this budget. Your dedication and commitment to higher education have been instrumental in securing these vital funds that empower our students and strengthen our communities,” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis.
The FY 2025 Budget introduces substantial increases to TAP benefits, effectively doubling the minimum award from $500 to $1,000. This increase is crucial for students striving to finance their higher education. Presently, the majority of Hostos students are eligible for TAP, and that number is now likely to increase, as the Budget broadens the eligibility criteria for dependent students, raising the net taxable income (NTI) limit from $80,000 to $125,000. This adjustment also includes an increase in the NTI limits for independent married and single students to $60,000 and $30,000, respectively.
These enhancements to the TAP program will inject an additional $66 million into the support system for students at public and private institutions across New York State. It is projected that approximately 93,000 students will benefit from this initiative, including 48,000 students who will now be eligible for TAP for the first time.
At Hostos, changes in income eligibility thresholds will benefit up to 336 dependent students, 117 independent married students, and 771 independent unmarried students. This comprehensive approach to financial aid is projected to influence a total of 1,511 Hostos students in FY2025, reflecting a significant expansion in TAP eligibility and its potential impact on student support and success.
Building on this momentum, the expansion of TAP to include non-degree programs marks a significant step towards increasing equity in higher education and ensuring broader access to vital financial support. Alongside these improvements, CUNY is launching a pilot program with five courses this semester and plans to expand to 43 courses by the Fall 2024 semester. Additionally, students who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for Part-Time TAP, covering up to 11 credits per semester.
TAP has been a cornerstone of New York’s educational landscape since 1974, providing nearly $30 billion in aid and enabling over 6 million New Yorkers to pursue higher education. The recent enhancements to TAP underscore a renewed commitment to ensuring that more New Yorkers than ever can achieve their educational aspirations without the burden of prohibitive costs.
More broadly, the approved Budget secures vital funding and resources for CUNY community colleges from which Hostos will benefit directly. The funding provisions in the latest update include maintaining a 100% funding floor. In addition, there's an increase of $5.3 million in operating aid, contingent upon a plan approved by the New York State Budget Director. The College Discovery program will receive an additional $27,000, bringing its total funding to $1.89 million. Furthermore, funding for several specific programs will continue at the same levels as the FY24 enacted budget, including $2.5 million for the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), $8.9 million allocated for building rentals, $1.7 million designated for childcare services, $2 million for the Apprentice CUNY Program, $1.9 million aimed at Economic Development initiatives, and $2 million for the Next Generation Job Linkage program.