State Senate Moves to Make Higher Education More Affordable, Expand Tuition Assistance, and Increase Transparency for Students

February 11, 2025

Senate Majority tuition affordability press release.

State University of New York system administration building.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers. The new measures include expanded access to New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) by extending TAP benefits to graduate students, increasing the maximum time limit to receive TAP awards, and expanding TAP eligibility to include students experiencing homelessness. The legislative package also increases transparency surrounding the tuition liability of students and establishes a time frame within which the State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) must determine students’ financial aid eligibility.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The Senate Majority remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that SUNY and CUNY institutions remain affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers. A solid education is the key to a long and productive career, and we are fortunate in New York to have the world's largest network of highly renowned public colleges and advanced education opportunities. No person should be unable to advance their lives and contributions to society because of a lack of wealth. I’d like to thank our Higher Education Chair, Senator Stavisky, and today’s bill sponsors for their work to make higher education more affordable, and attainable for all New Yorkers.”

Bill Sponsor and Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Graduate students often face the same financial hardships as undergraduates. They may be researchers, teaching undergraduates or hold part-time jobs, all of which pay low wages. At the same time, they must pay tuition and fees. S.3810 will allow them to be eligible for TAP for a two-year period. Last year we made major upgrades to TAP which, I hope, will encourage students to attend a New York State college. Not only was the minimum award doubled but income eligibility was expanded from $80,000 to $125,000 per family income. Once their TAP application is submitted and deemed complete by HESC, students deserve a timely decision on their eligibility for TAP. HESC would have sixty days to decide under the provisions of S.3738.”

Read the Senate Majority press release.

Legislation Components

Increases the maximum time limits for TAP awards: This legislation, S.3779, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, increases the maximum time limit for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards from four to six years.

Expands TAP awards to students experiencing homelessness: This legislation, S.27, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson, expands Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility to make it available for students experiencing homelessness.

Informing students about their tuition liability: This legislation, S.78, sponsored by Senator John Liu, would require colleges, universities, professional, proprietary and graduate schools to provide written notice to all students of the institution’s tuition liability policies.

Establishes graduate degree level TAP awards: This legislation, S.3810, sponsored by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, extends Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) benefits to graduate students who need financial aid during their time at SUNY or CUNY.

Establishes a time frame for the HESC to determine financial aid eligibility: This legislation, S.3738, sponsored by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, would require The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to make financial aid determinations within 60 days of receiving a student’s completed financial aid application.

Member Support

Bill Sponsor Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The road to a college degree isn't always straightforward. Students shouldn't have their dream of a degree derailed because of unforeseen circumstances. That's why I've introduced legislation to ensure students can continue to access the crucial financial support provided by the Tuition Assistance Program even if they need more than four years to finish their degree. By extending the TAP program time limit from four to six years, students who pause their studies for childcare, work or other life circumstances can return to college and receive the financial support they need to complete their degree, support their families and pursue their dreams."

Bill Sponsor Senator Robert Jackson said, “Education should be the great equalizer, but for too many students, financial hardship—especially homelessness—turns that dream into an unreachable goal. My bill, S.27, expands TAP eligibility so that students experiencing homelessness are no longer left behind. With this legislative package, we are breaking down the financial walls that hold students back—expanding TAP to graduate students, ensuring tuition transparency, and making higher education truly accessible. I stand with my fellow legislators in the Majority Conference, pushing this forward—because when we invest in students, we secure the future of New York.”

Bill Sponsor Senator John Liu said, "A college education should set students on a pathway to opportunity, not saddle them with crippling debt due to poor communication from their school. Students deserve clear, timely information about their tuition liabilities in order to make informed financial decisions, and by requiring institutions to clearly outline their policies, this legislation will help to empower students and their families to avoid unexpected costs and ensure greater transparency in higher education."

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