Note: Eligible students apply for these programs directly. The Office of Financial Aid does not have a part in awarding these programs
Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship
This competitive financial aid program provides financial assistance to students enrolled in a degree program in a field of study leading to Regents licensure. The New York State Commissioner of Education designates the fields of study. This scholarship program is subject to an annual appropriation determined by the New York State Legislature. The number of awards available each year can vary depending on legislative action. Scholarships are awarded by the New York State Education Department and are paid through HESC.
The current selection criteria and application are available on the New York State Education Department's Web site.
HESC requires scholarship recipients to practice their profession for which the scholarship was awarded in New York State. HESC requires 12 months of service for each annual payment received. Within one year of completing their programs of study, scholarship holders must forward to HESC for approval a plan for completing their service obligation. Recipients who fail to provide the required service will be required to repay twice the amount of assistance received plus liquidated damage and interest at the maximum prevailing rate within a five-year period. Repayment can be excused on grounds of extreme hardship.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant program for New York State residents attending in-state post-secondary institutions. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation administers the program.
Each student who indicates on the FAFSA that he or she is a New York State resident, has been so for one year, and agrees to the release of his or her information to the State, will receive a pre-printed Express Tap Application (ETA) in the mail. They should check for errors, enter any additional information asked of them, sign, and return the application in order to apply for TAP.
Veterans Educational Benefits
Another source of educational aid comes in the form of veteran’s benefits. These benefits are entitlements, and students do not have to show need to claim them. Students must, however, have served in the military.
There are now two programs under which past and current enlistees can obtain educational assistance. They are the "new" GI Bill, and the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). Military personnel can accrue a maximum of 45 months of educational aid.
New GI Bill
The new GI Bill is a three-year test program for those first enlisting after July 1, 1985. Under this program, recruits are eligible to receive $300 a month, for up to 36 months, in exchange for three years of service. In addition, the educational ante can be raised an additional $12,000 over the three years, for those serving with critical skills.
Enlistees who opt for the new GI Bill will forego $100 a month of their salary for the first year in the program (a contribution of $1,200) after which their salary reverts to the regular amount.
VEAP
VEAP is a contributory program under which the government pays $2 into an educational fund for every $1 paid by those who enlisted between 1977 and June 30, 1985. If the enlistee puts aside the annual maximum of $2,700 allowed under the program, the government contributes $5,400 per year, and the enlistee leaves the service with $8,100 in educational benefits per year.
Students who have served in the military or are considering enlisting should contact their regional Veterans Administration Office.
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