Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Expanding TAP Eligibility for Students Affected By College Closures

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.4121/A.5500) expanding eligibility for Tuition Assistance Program awards to students who transferred to another university as a result of a permanent college closure. The new law allows undergraduate students enrolled in an approved two- or four-year program of study who were required to transfer to another institution as a result of permanent college closure to be eligible for up to two additional semesters of Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, awards. Students are eligible for this funding if credits from the closed institution that are necessary to complete the student's program of study were deemed non-transferable or not applicable by the new institution. The law goes into effect immediately.

"A college degree is a necessity in our modern economy and it's a matter of fairness to help ensure students don't fall behind through no fault of their own in the event of a college closure," Governor Cuomo said. "This smart legislation will help correct this inequity and help New York build the stronger and smarter workforce it needs for future success."

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said, "This new law will ensure that students who depend on financial aid for their education have better protection from circumstances outside their control. I am pleased that we are adopting another measure enabling all students to access a quality, affordable higher education in New York State."

Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, "When higher education institutions close, the students least able to pay for college are at a precipice -- they can't stay where they were, but the college credits they have paid for with the help of TAP are not accepted at the schools to which they hope to transfer. This law will give them a much needed lifeline and allow them to continue their education. New York does better when its residents have real access to the education they need to compete in today's economy."

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