Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Eligibility: Student must be a New York State resident and attend a public institution in New York State.
Description: The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant for New York State residents that does not have to be paid back. Awards are based on New York State net taxable income and tuition charges. Final determination of awards is made as a result of the completion of TAP Application each year and funding levels are dependent on the passing of the New York State Budget.
Award: Awards currently range from $500 to $5,165. These grants are available for a maximum of eight full-time semesters for undergraduates.
The TAP application is available online following the submission FAFSA data. Upon receipt of the TAP application and the passage of the New York State budget for the subsequent year, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC) will determine the student's TAP Award. You can also view the status of your TAP award at hesc.ny.gov
Fredonia's TAP school code is 0915.
The Excelsior Scholarship
Eligibility: Student must be a New York State resident and attend a public institution in New York State.
Award: A recipient of an Excelsior Scholarship may receive up to $5,500.
- Pell, TAP, and the SUNY Tuition Credit along with some Institutional scholarships must be applied first. The Excelsior Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship which means all federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships will reduce the annual amount of the award.
- As with the 2025-26 FAFSA and TAP application, Prior-Prior year (PPY) 2023 adjusted gross income (AGI) will be used.
Combined Parent and Student Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Thresholds:
- 2025-26: $125,000 (2023 Adjusted Gross Income)
Application Process: Students applying for this scholarship must complete the FAFSA and TAP applications in addition to the Excelsior Application.
Fredonia offers approximately $10 million in merit- and need-based scholarships to academically qualified new and returning students each year.
Next Steps
The following steps will help you to finalize your financial aid and secure alternative financing options if needed. You must continue to monitor “Your Connection” to view any updates or outstanding requirements tied to your financial aid. It is important to note: The financial aid listed on “Your Connection” is based on your anticipated full time enrollment of 12 credit hours (including Graduate Students). Please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing if you plan to be enrolled less than 12 credit hours for either semester.