State Aid Programs

Eligibility Requirements for New York State Scholarships and Awards

Specific eligibility requirements are explained in detail on the Higher Education Services Corporation website at http://www.hesc.ny.gov (see Student TAP Coach). Please check the HESC website for the most up-to-date information on specific scholarships.  It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and to meet the eligibility requirements each term. Generally, to be eligible for a New York State Award, a student must meet the following criteria; however, some scholarships have additional requirements. The general requirements include:

• be a matriculated full-time (at least 12 credits applicable to the program) student. This provision limits the number of general electives a student may take and still be eligible for the scholarship. Electives not required for the degree cannot be counted toward full-time study;
• be a legal resident of New York State;
• be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen;
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards
• meet income eligibility limitations
• have graduated from a high school in the United States, physical proof of high school completion is required to be on file at Marist College, earned a GED or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test.

First-time state aid recipients entering as first-year students, or continuing students in the 2006-07 academic year and thereafter with a non-U.S. high school transcript, are required to pass an Ability to Benefit exam. Students must meet the Ability to Benefit requirement before the first day of classes for the term for which they are seeking aid. Please Note: Marist College does not administer Ability to Benefit exams.

Homeschooled students do not receive high school diplomas that are acceptable for state financial aid purposes as only public and registered nonpublic schools in New York State are permitted by Education Law to award diplomas. Therefore, homeschooled students must demonstrate their eligibility for State student financial aid by completing one of the following:

• obtaining a letter from local school district officials confirming that the student has received an education “substantially equivalent” to instruction given to students graduating high school in the public school system;
• take and pass a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formerly known as a GED and receive a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma from the New York State Education Department (SED) by the first day of classes for the term seeking aid; or
• achieve a satisfactory score on an approved Ability-to-Benefit test by the term add/drop date. Please Note: Marist College does not administer Ability to Benefit exams.

In addition, the student must meet the State-mandated academic requirements for determining program pursuit and satisfactory academic progress. To be pursuing one’s program satisfactorily, a student who is in his/her first year of receiving an award must receive a passing or failing grade in at least one-half of the minimum full-time course load (6 credits); a student who is in his/her second year of receiving an award must receive a passing or failing grade in at least three-fourths of a minimum full-time course load (9 credits); in his/her third and fourth years, a student must receive a passing or failing grade in all of the courses constituting the minimum course load (at least 12 credits). Any course which was passed previously cannot be repeated and counted toward the minimum full-time (12 credits) necessary for TAP eligibility. The only exception occurs when a grade is passing but is unacceptable in a particular curriculum.

Making satisfactory progress requires that a student achieve a satisfactory cumulative index and accumulate credits at a steady rate. The minimum progress expected is given in chart form (below) and has been approved by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). It is important for students to understand that these criteria only determine student eligibility for a New York State scholarship; they are not the general criteria for academic achievement at Marist College. A student conceivably may meet these standards for a New York State scholarship and yet not meet the academic standards of Marist College for continuation as a student.

1. An applicant must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education will forward this information to HESC. Students will be given the option of linking to the HESC website to complete the HESC application online. HESC will send an award certificate to the student indicating the amount of the award per term.
2. TAP awards at Marist College currently range from $500 to $5,665 annually.
3. New York State Scholarships are awarded for eight semesters of full-time undergraduate studies. Students enrolled in the HEOP Program have an additional two semesters of eligibility. HEOP students must indicate they are in an approved five-year program on the FAFSA and TAP applications.
4. Upon receiving the official notification of the student’s award from HESC, the Certifying Officer will verify the student’s full-time, matriculated status and the tuition charges for the term in question.
5. If the student meets all of the eligibility criteria, the amount of the award will be credited to the student’s account after the Certification Status Date and upon receipt of a Remittance Advice from HESC. The Certification Status Date is the date upon which the student incurs full-tuition liability for full-time study.
6. When students are enrolled in a program of study approved to operate on a simulated semester calendar, students must register for and incur tuition liability for full-time study at the outset of the term. If the student meets all of the eligibility requirements, the award will be credited to the student’s account when the student begins study for the last module of the simulated semester and upon receipt of a Remittance Advice from HESC.
7. If the New York State award results in a credit balance for the student, the College may refund any credit balance within 30 days if requested, or the student may request the College to leave the balance on the account as a credit toward a future term’s charge. (Some restrictions may apply.)

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Determining Eligibility for State Student Aid

** Only students in approved 5-year programs (e.g.: Higher Education Opportunity Program).

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) was created by New York State as a tuition-related student-aid program for New York State residents.  Awards are based on the parent’s and student’s New York State Net Taxable Income (after exemptions and deductions).  To complete the annual application, please visit hesc.ny.gov and be sure to use Marist’s school code 0440. 

Part Time TAP

Part-Time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. Part-Time TAP is not the same as Aid for Part-Time Study.  To complete the annual application, please visit hesc.ny.gov and be sure to use Marist’s school code 0440. 

To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, a student must be a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter, have earned 12 credits or more in each of the two consecutive semesters (one-time requirement), for a minimum total of 24 credits earned, and maintain a minimum of a “C” average. In addition, the student must be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen, be a legal resident of New York State, have graduated from high school in the United States, or earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department. The student must also be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing, be charged at least $200 tuition per year, take at least 6 but fewer than 12 credits (applicable to the program) per semester, not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC and not be in any repayment of state awards. The student must also meet income eligibility limitations.

Aid for Part-time Study (APTS)

This program is designed to provide tuition assistance to eligible undergraduates enrolled on a part-time basis (three to eleven credits per semester) in a program of study leading to a degree at Marist College. To be eligible for an APTS award a student must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Be a legal resident of New York State.
• Have graduated from a high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department.
• Be enrolled as a part-time student.
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study in a participating New York State postsecondary institution.
• Be in good academic standing: Have achieved at least a cumulative “C” average after having received the equivalent of two full years of payment of state-sponsored student financial aid. 
• Be charged at least $100 tuition per year.
• Not have exhausted Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility.
• Not be in default on a federal or State student loan or on any repayment of state awards.
• Meet income eligibility limitations.

Students may receive tuition waivers up to the cost of tuition, but not in excess of $1,000 each semester. Students are required to file an APTS application each academic year and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Services along with a NY State Income Tax Return. Applications and additional information are available on MyMarist under the Student Financial Services tab.

New York State Regents Awards For Children of Deceased or Disabled Veteran Award

Students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of service, died, suffered a 40% or more disability, was classified as missing in action, or was a prisoner of war are eligible to apply. The veteran must currently be a New York State resident or have been a New York State resident at the time of death. The applicant must be pursuing an approved undergraduate degree at a college or university located in NYS.

1. Complete the Children of Veterans’ Award Web Supplement.  Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions.
2. Once you have established your eligibility you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), complete a Scholarship & Grant Payment Application by June 30 of each academic year you seek payment. To request a Scholarship & Grant Payment Application, please email the Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov.

New York State Memorial Scholarship

The NYS Memorial Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers (including NYS Correction Officers), and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.

1. Complete and submit the NYS Memorial Scholarship Web Supplement. Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign, date and submit it, along with the required documentation.
2. Award recipients must request payment by June 30 of each academic year:
   1. Current New York State residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP on the Web application linked directly to the FAFSA.
   2. Non-New York State residents must contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov or 888-697-4372 to request a Scholarship and Grant Payment Application. HESC makes payments to schools upon certification of eligibility and submission of appropriate financial aid applications.

2.   There are no financial criteria in order to qualify for this award; however, the recipient of this award should be aware that he or she may qualify for a TAP award along with the New York Memorial Scholarship award.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

See Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)  in the Student Academic Affairs section of this catalog or visit https://www.marist.edu/academics/center-for-multicultural-affairs/heop for more information.  

Vietnam Veterans Tuition Awards (VVTA) & Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Awards (PGVTA)

These programs are available to New York State residents enrolled in full-time or part-time (three to eleven credits per semester) undergraduate and graduate programs at Marist. Eligibility for VVTA includes U.S. Armed Forces service in Indochina between January 1, 1963 and May 7, 1975 and discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. PGVTA requirements are receipt of the Southwest Asia Medal, issued from August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 and confirmation of service in the Persian Gulf. Both veterans’ tuition awards range from $500 to $1,000 per semester with an aggregate limit of $10,000. Veterans who have not established eligibility must complete the VVTA or PGVTA Tuition Award Supplement. Veterans who have established eligibility do not have to submit another supplement, except to receive payment for graduate study they must submit a FAFSA and TAP Application indicating graduate study. Eligibility for these awards must have been established by September 1, 1998. Additional information may be obtained by calling (518) 474-8615.

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time study and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated in an approved program at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution. All academic eligibility requirements for NYS Scholarships apply.

The combined tuition benefits available to a student cannot exceed the student’s total tuition costs. Tuition payments received by a student under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Yellow Ribbon program are considered duplicative of any VTA and/or TAP award. A student whose benefit is payable under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at 100% will have his/her VTA denied. A student whose benefit payable under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at less than 100% may have his/her VTA reduced. Tuition payments received by a student under Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation are also considered to be duplicative of any VTA and/ or TAP award. A student whose benefit is payable under Chapter 31 will have his/ her VTA and/or TAP award denied.

New York State Aid to Native Americans

Student or parent must be an enrolled member of a Native American tribe located on a reservation in New York State and be enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution in New York State.

1. Award ranges up to $2,000 per year for up to 4 years for full-time study.
2. A student must request a special application form by writing to: Native American Education Building, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12234 or by calling (518) 474-3852.
3. The completed application is returned with (a) an official high school transcript or photostat of General Equivalency Diploma; (b) a personal letter setting forth an educational plan.
4. If under 18 years of age, signatures of parents are required.
5. Official tribe certification form is required.

New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships

The World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship is available to families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of September 11, 2001.

Who is Eligible?

1. Children, spouses, and financial dependents of deceased or severely and permanently disabled victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, or on flights 11, 77, 93, or 175.
2. Survivors of the terrorist attacks who are severely and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the attacks or rescue and recovery operations.

Additionally students must:

• Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
• Be enrolled as a full-time student taking at least 12 credits applicable to the program of study. This provision limits the number of general electives a student may take and still be eligible for the scholarship
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study
• Be in good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress as defined above
• Not be in default on a State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department. First-time state aid recipients entering as freshman students, or continuing students in the 2006-07 academic year and thereafter with a non-U.S. high school transcript, are required to pass an Ability to Benefit exam. Students must meet the Ability to Benefit requirement before the first day of classes for the term for which they are seeking aid. Please Note: Marist College does not administer Ability to Benefit exams.

How to Apply:

Please refer to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/nys-world-trade-center-memorial-scholarship.html for an application and instructions.   

Scholarship Award

• The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study or up to five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s program.
• Tuition: An amount equal to your actual tuition or the State University of New York’s (SUNY) in-state tuition, whichever is less.
• Non-tuition Costs: These include room, board and allowances for books, supplies and transportation up to the average cost at SUNY colleges. The Commissioner of Education sets the non-tuition cost allowances each year.
• Residence: A student living on campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than a commuter student. If housing is not available for students on campus they will receive the same allowance as students living on campus.

Payment of the scholarship is made to the school upon certification of eligibility and submission of appropriate financial aid applications.

Receipt of other grants and scholarships may reduce the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship award; the total of all aid received cannot be greater than the student’s cost of attendance.

Recipients of World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships must meet the basic eligibility requirements as described in the section on New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) in the above section. Eligibility requirements are also available on HESC’s website at http://www.hesc.ny.gov (See TAP Coach).

Vocational Rehabilitation

State agencies of vocational rehabilitation assist those having a physical, emotional, or mental disability, except blindness. This assistance is designed to develop and/or improve and/or restore the handicapped person’s ability to work. Among the training services provided to handicapped persons is training at colleges. Financial assistance may be provided for the person in pursuit of a college education.