What is TAP? The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) administered by New York State Higher Education Services (NYSHESC) helps eligible New York state residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP Award can range from $250 to $5,665. TAP is a grant and it does not have to be paid back. Funding and eligibility requirements for TAP are contingent on the State Budget and state regulations and are subject to change.
Who is eligible?
For a complete listing of all eligibility requirements please visit hesc.ny.gov
Why is my TAP award estimated? St. John’s estimates a TAP award for all New York State residents who file a FAFSA. This estimate is based on the income information reported on the FAFSA.
What determines the amount of the award? The award amount is determined by:
What must I do now? When you filed your FAFSA you were prompted to complete a TAP application through HESC, if you did so, no further action is required as long as St. John’s is the school on your TAP application. If you did not complete the TAP application or if you are ineligible for federal aid and qualify under the NYS Dream Act, please go to www.hesc.ny.gov to file a TAP application.
How can I view my TAP application status or change my school code? You may view your application status and/or make school code changes online by visiting www.hesc.ny.gov , or calling 1-888-NYS-HESC.
What is St. John’s school code? St John’s Undergraduate Division 0751
What is a Federal Pell Grant?The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need and who have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
Federal Pell Grants are a form of financial asssitance that does not require repayment except under certain circumstances.
How much can a student receive?The FAFSA Simplification changed the process for determining the amount of a student's scheduled Federal Pell Grant award. Each Pell eligible student scheduled award for 2025-26 is one of the following:
The U.S. Department of Education determines student’s eligibility for Pell based on tax filing requirements, family size and composition, Federal poverty guidelines, and state of residence. Upon completion of the FAFSA the student will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary which advises them of their Pell eligibility.
How can a student stay eligible?
File a FAFSA, make Satisfactory Academic Progress and continue to meet basic eligibility criteria.
Aggregate Lifetime Limit: Students may receive up to 12 semesters ( or its equivalent) of the Federal Pell Grant.
What is a Federal SEOG Grant?The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Program provides additional need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The program is designed to promote access to postsecondary education. Funding is provided to postsecondary institutions by the U.S. Department of Education. Availability for Federal SEOG Grants are subject to federal funding and are therefore subject to change or elimination based on Congressional action. A Federal SEOG grant is a form of gift aid that does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. How much can a student receive?For the 2025-2026 academic year based on funding levels, entering students who qualify for maximum Pell based on their 2025-26 FAFSA will be awarded a $500 Federal SEOG grant based on funding availability at the time of Packaging.
Who is eligible?Federal Pell Grant recipients who demonstrate the highest need level.The U.S. Department of Education determines student’s eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant by using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
How does a student stay eligible?
File a FAFSA, make Satisfactory Academic Progress and continue to meet basic eligibility criteria. Funding is subject to Federal Budget allocation.
What is a grant?A grant is a form of financial aid often referred to as gift aid since it does not traditionally require repayment.
Who is eligible?All new undergraduate students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for University need based grants.
What types of grants are awarded by St.John’s University?St. John’s University awards a number of grants to needy students and students who have special abilities or who make significant contribution to the University.
St. John’s makes every effort to renew financial grants provided students file their FAFSA on an annual basis by March 1st and meet baisc eligibility criteria for federal aid programs, continue to demonstrate the same financial need, remain enrolled at the University in the same academic program and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
TEACH stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education. It provides grant assistance for students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.
A TEACH-Grant-eligible program is a program of study that is designed to prepare you to teach as a highly qualified teacher in a high-need field and that leads to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or is a post baccalaureate program.
Please note: Funding and program requirements subject to congressional action.
Please note: St. John’s Eligible majors based on defined high need areas and Nationwide List.
SI: FRENCH/ ITALIAN/EARTH SCIENCE/PHYSICS
Please note: St. John's eligible majors based on New York designated high need areas, those designated as high need and/or included on the Nationwide List.
**Do not have to meet academic achievement requirements if:
In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, a student must:
If you fail to complete the service obligation:
IFor more information about the TEACH Grant program, please visit https://studentaid.gov