Financial Aid Available for College Students in Need

Senator Owen H. Johnson co-sponsored a Resolution honoring the 35th anniversary of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Speaking on the Resolution, Senator Johnson referred to the TAP program as his “baby,” having been one of the original architects, he worked for many years to improve the program so that it was available to students in need.

“As high school seniors and their families start to worry about how they will pay for college in this economy, I’d like to remind them of the many New York State Higher Education Opportunity Programs such as TAP that are available.”

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is New York’s student financial aid agency and has spearheaded a campaign entitled “Start Here Get There,” to inform and educate students and families about college financial aid and promote the completion of the most important tool in securing that aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many students and families may not realize that completing the FAFSA is the first step to obtaining assistance, and that it’s best to file the FAFSA as early as possible.  The reality is that there’s money available to help pay for college and the FAFSA is the key that unlocks the door to it.  It’s important to take that first step and complete the FAFSA thoroughly…..and early.

Families of college-bound students, as well as those currently attending college, should complete the FAFSA in February to have the best chance of garnering the financial aid for which they are qualified. 

StartHereGetThere.org, a new HESC Web site, offers college and financial aid planning information, informative videos, helpful tips and tools, a step-by-step tutorial for completing the FAFSA, as well as a wealth of information about federal, state and college-sponsored aid, including grants, such as New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and other scholarships, loans and work study programs.