Campus & Community

State’s Tuition Assistance Program Expands Part-Time Opportunities at Syracuse University

Tuesday, August 30, 2022, By Hope Alvarez

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the expansion of New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which now provides assistance to part-time undergraduate students.

Starting this fall, the $150 million expansion of TAP will support part-time students enrolled in six or more credits per semester, according to the announcement. Because NYS TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.

As the College of Professional Studies continues to expand its program offerings, the expansion of TAP unlocks new opportunities for a wider population to attend Syracuse University part-time.

“The expansion of the TAP program removes the main barrier many part-time students are facing when pursuing a college degree—cost,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The expanded program comes at a time when the College of Professional Studies is maintaining and lowering costs to close the gap between tuition and what part-time students can pay. New York State is now fully aligned with our mission as a college that is accessible to anyone who otherwise cannot study full-time on campus.”

New York residents looking to study part-time at Syracuse University can affordably do so with the expansion of TAP. The flexibility of part-time study combined with TAP positions students for success as they pursue a range of future-focused programs available both online and on campus.

“TAP broadens access for students who might otherwise think attending college is financially out of their reach,” says Peg Stearns, director of financial aid at the College of Professional Studies. “This increases accessibility to higher educational opportunities for post-traditional students. Next to the Federal Pell Grant Program, NYS TAP is the most generous grant available to eligible New York State students.”

All students who plan to apply to Syracuse University part-time study are encouraged to complete the FASFA, as this is also the easiest way to apply for part-time TAP.

The College of Professional Studies’ Financial Aid Office will notify potentially eligible New York State students who have received their 2022-23 FAFSA results. The University’s main campus Bursar’s Office will process part-time TAP funding.

The College of Professional Studies’ Financial Aid Office is dedicated to providing TAP application completion assistance as needed. To learn more about part-time TAP eligibility, visit the state’s website.

To learn more about financial aid opportunities at the College of Professional Studies, visit the college’s website.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or education experience.