Academic Qualifications for TAP

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in Albany determines your economic eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program. In addition, TAP Program guidelines require students who receive TAP payments to meet certain academic requirements in order to keep receiving their TAP awards. The College must certify that you meet these requirements each semester before you can receive your TAP award.

These academic requirements are broken down into three areas:

• 1. Program Pursuit

• 2. Rate of Progress

• 3. 2.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Program Pursuit
The Program Pursuit portion of the guidelines requires all students to complete a certain number of courses each semester. A course is considered completed for the purposes of the TAP regulations when a grade of A, A–, B+, B, B–, C+, C, C–, D+, D, D- F, or R is awarded at the end of the semester. Grades of W (Withdrawal), WU (Withdrew Unofficially) or WA (Administrative Withdrawal) indicate that a course has not been completed.

If you are receiving a first- or second payment of TAP this semester, you must complete at least 50% of a full-time load (see definition of full-time status) or six credits or the equivalent to get your TAP award for the coming semester. If you are receiving your third or fourth semester of TAP this semester, you must complete at least 75% of a full-time load (see definition of full-time status) to get your TAP award next semester. If you fail to complete at best nine credits or the equivalent, you may not get your TAP payment next semester. If you are receiving a fifth through ninth payment, this semester you must complete a full-time load to receive your TAP payment next semester.

Before you withdraw from any course, see a financial aid counselor or a TAP Certifying Officer in the Financial Aid Office. You will be advised what will happen to your subsequent TAP payments if you withdraw from courses.

Rate of Progress
New York State Law requires all students who have received four payments from TAP to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. This requirement is in addition to the Program Pursuit requirement. You could meet the Program Pursuit requirements and still not be eligible for your TAP if your cumulative GPA is below 2.00. You must meet the Rate of Progress, Program Pursuit and 2.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average rules to continue receiving your TAP awards.

Students Enrolled in Associate Degree Programs
Students enrolled in associate degree programs are eligible to receive six semesters of TAP. You may not receive your seventh and eighth payment unless you are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.

 
Financial Aid Waiver Committee
Students who lose their eligibility for TAP, ATPS, or Title IV financial aid may be eligible to apply for a waiver from the regulations. You may print a waiver form with instructions at: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/financialAid/downloadableForms.asp