Bill > S06961

This bill amends the New York State education law to expand the state tuition assistance program (TAP) to include graduate programs. Specifically, the bill modifies several sections of the education law to explicitly permit graduate students to be eligible for tuition assistance awards. Key changes include allowing graduate students to be considered when determining parental income exclusions, extending award eligibility criteria to graduate students, and establishing new limitations for graduate student aid. Graduate students will now be eligible for up to four academic years of study, but limited to one degree program at the master's, first professional, or doctorate level. Additionally, the total combined undergraduate and graduate study cannot exceed eight years. The bill also updates language to be gender-neutral, replacing gendered pronouns with "their" throughout the text. By explicitly including graduate programs in the tuition assistance program, the bill aims to provide financial support for students pursuing advanced degrees in New York State.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6961