NEW YORK STATE PROGRAMS

A. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) provides grants to full-time students to assist them in paying tuition in the form of a TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) award. 

Bronx Community College’s TAP school code is 1400.

How to Apply?

• Students who are U.S Citizens or eligible non-citizens, may apply for TAP by first completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). New York State (NYS) residents attending NYS schools can link directly to the TAP application from the FAFSA submission confirmation page.

• Students who are U.S Citizens or eligible non-citizens but have at least one parent who is not a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen may apply via the Alternate Eligibility Path application (see note below).

• Undocumented and other immigrant students should submit their application for eligibility using the NYS Dream Act application (see note below).

• The TAP application deadline is June 30 of the academic year for which aid is sought.

Note: For more information on applying for NYS Aid through the Alternate Eligibility Path or the Jose Peralta Dream Act application may visit the “APPLY” section of the HESC (hesc.ny.gov) website for up-to-date information.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

Citizenship and Residency

• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen;

• Be a legal resident of New York State for 12 continuous months.

• Students who are not citizens or eligible non-citizens may meet citizenship requirements via the Jose Peralta Dream Act application (see note above).

Academic Requirements

• Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” (ATB) test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department; The ATB tests must be passed by the 21st day of the term for which the award is sought;

• Be matriculated in an approved program of study at Bronx Community College;

• Be enrolled as a full-time student taking at least twelve credits per semester, which must be applied towards the program of study (In their 1st TAP semester, a student must enroll in at least 3-degree credits as part of their full-time course load; after the 1st TAP semester, a student must enroll in at least 6-degree credits as part of their full-time load)

• Be in good academic standing for New York State financial aid by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards;

Financial Requirements

• Not be in default on any state or federal student loans and not be in default on any repayment of State awards;

• Be in compliance with the terms of any service condition imposed by a NYS award; and

• Meet any other income requirements as determined by New York State.

New York State – Good Academic Standing
Good Academic Standing consists of making satisfactory academic progress and pursuit towards completing an associate’s degree at Bronx Community College.

Progress is evaluated by a student’s cumulative GPA and total credits earned in comparison with the number of TAP payment points they have used. Pursuit is evaluated by the number of credits a student completes with a grade of A, B, C, D, F, S, R, CR or NC in their last TAP payment semester in comparison with the number of TAP payment points they have used.

Note: New York state requirements or satisfactory academic progress differ from those established for federal financial aid.

What are TAP Payment Points?

• TAP Payment points are used to determine academic eligibility of a NYS award based on progress and pursuit charts below;

• A point value is assigned each time a student receives an award from New York State;

• A full-time award utilizes 6 payment points;

• A part-time award utilizes between 3 – 5.5 payment points; and

• A student may use up to 36 payment points at a two-year institution.

Academic Progress and Pursuit

Program Pursuit Chart For All Students

 
SPECIAL NOTES ON ENROLLMENT 

1. New York State financial aid will ONLY pay for a repeated course in which a student received a prior grade of “F” or “R”, or if the major requires a higher grade in a particular course to satisfy the degree requirements. 

2. The student cannot receive TAP if they are enrolled in only remedial courses. For their first TAP payment, they must be full-time, carry at least twelve (12) “contributory” credits, of which three (3) must be non-remedial credits. For their second TAP through to the sixth TAP payment, they must be full-time and carry at least six (6) non-remedial credits. 

3. A student must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible for TAP and must complete the number of credits per semester as stated in the above charts.  

Failure to Make Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who fail to meet the above-mentioned Good Academic Standing requirements for academic progress and pursuit may apply for a TAP waiver in “exceptional or extraordinary cases”.

In submitting a TAP appeal, a student will be considered for a one-time waiver or a C-GPA waiver. A student may only receive one NYS TAP Waiver in their undergraduate career and two C-GPA waivers at Bronx Community College.

NOTE: A student must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible for TAP and must complete the number of credits per semester as stated in the above charts.

The appeal is filed by completing a TAP Waiver Application for the semester if the student is not in compliance with the academic regulations. The “waiver” application form with supporting documentation is then submitted to the Financial Aid Office in the Colston Hall Building, Room 504 for consideration by the TAP Waiver Committee. If the “waiver” is approved, the student will regain TAP eligibility for the semester for which the waiver is granted. The TAP Waiver application form is available via the BCC Financial Aid web page. 

B. Part-Time TAP (PTAP)
Part-Time TAP is a program from New York State that allows for partial TAP payments for students taking 6 to 11 credits. Part-time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. Part-time TAP is not the same as Aid for Part-Time Study. To apply students must first complete a FAFSA and a TAP application.

Eligibility Requirements 

• Meet all of TAP eligibility requirements;

• Must have been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter;

• Maintain a C average and meet good academic standing requirements

NOTE: The “C average” for Part-time TAP is an eligibility requirement that cannot be waived using the C average waiver.

C. Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free.

The maximum award is $5,500 or actual tuition, whichever is less. The Excelsior Scholarship will be reduced by the amount of certain other financial aid awards that an applicant has or will receive for the academic year, including an NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award and /or Federal Pell grant. Award payments cannot exceed more than two years of full-time undergraduate study in a program leading to an associate’s degree.

Application Process

The Excelsior Scholarship deadline will be announced prior to every semester.

New Excelsior Scholarships applicants complete the initial HESC Excelsior application as well as the FAFSA and TAP payment application.

To receive payments each subsequent year (after the initial application year) Excelsior recipients must annually complete the FAFSA and TAP payment application.

Frequently asked questions as well as updates on deadline dates for the Excelsior Scholarship will be published via the HESC website at www.hesc.ny.gov. Undocumented and other immigrant students should submit their application for eligibility using the NYS Dream Act application at www.hesc.ny.gov.

Eligibility
An applicant must:

• be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;

• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;

• have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;

• have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;

• have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less for the 2024-2025 academic year;

• be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University;

• be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program through continuous study with no break in enrollment except for certain reasons that can be documented;

• if attended college prior to the 2024-2025 academic year, have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), that are applicable toward his or her degree program prior to applying for an Excelsior Scholarship;

• be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;

• be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by a NYS award that you have previously received; and

• execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.

E.  Non-degree Part-time TAP

Part-time students enrolled in eligible non-degree workforce credential programs at participating CUNY colleges can access the Non-Degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Students must be enrolled in 1 through 11 credits, and enrolled courses must directly lead to employment or advancement in a significant industry, as identified by the U.S. Department of Labor. To apply, students must first complete a FAFSA and a TAP application.  Undocumented and other immigrant students should submit their application for eligibility using the NYS Dream Act application at www.hesc.ny.gov.  

Eligibility Requirements

• Meet all of TAP eligibility requirements;

• Must be a legal NYS resident for 12 continuous months prior to enrolling or qualified under NYS DREAM Act;

• Must not have used up TAP eligibility. 

F. College Discovery (CD)

College Discovery (CD) is a special program funded by New York City for financially and educationally disadvantaged students who are New York City residents. Students who are in the CD program may receive money for books and fees. These funds are grants and do not have to be repaid as long as students are enrolled from half time to full time status.

CD students also receive additional counseling and tutorial services through the Division of Academic and Student Success.

Selection for the program
You must indicate on your freshman admissions application that you want to be considered for the CD program when you first apply to the College. Once you receive your notification of acceptance to Bronx Community College, students will be identified as prospective students who meet the academic criteria as 'potential' applicants for recruitment into these opportunity programs, pending an economic eligibility review.

In order to establish your eligibility for CD financial aid, you must file the following applications:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) 

You must also meet the following criteria to qualify for this program:

• New York City resident for 12 consecutive months

• Academically and economically disadvantaged according to the Board of Regents guidelines

• Admitted freshman applicant to a CUNY associate degree program

There may be additional documentation you will have to submit to the Financial Aid Office to finalize your eligibility.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Federal Pell Grant Program

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)

• Federal Work-Study Program

• Federal Direct Student Loan Programs

A. Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant is money awarded by the federal government that can be used to pay students tuition, or if tuition is covered by other means, help to buy books and supplies, or pay for transportation costs.

• Pell is available only to students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or professional certificate.

• Students must be in satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards completing a degree or federally aid approved certificate program.

• The amount of your Federal Pell Grant depends on your cost of attendance, expected family contribution (EFC), enrollment status and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less.

• Students may not be in default on a previous student loan or owe the federal government a refund of financial aid previously received.

• If a student is selected for verification by the Central Processing Center, the student and/or parent(s) must be willing to verify the information provided on the FAFSA.

• Pell Grant Program will be limited to a maximum of 12 full-time equivalent semesters or 600% of Pell Grant eligibility per student.

To learn more visit general Student Eligibility requirements at www.cuny.edu

Year-Round Pell 
Students can receive an additional bonus Pell (50% more) for an additional term within the academic year. This can allow students to stay on track for graduation or even to complete their degree early.

Application Process
The FAFSA is the application that is used for federal government grants. Bronx Community College School Federal Code is 002692.

Remedial Courses
The federal government restricts the use of Federal Aid/ Loans for students to take up to 30 hours of non-credit remedial course work. After the student has reached the 30 hour limit on remedial course work, the student may not receive Pell or other forms of federal student aid/ loans for any additional remedial hours.

B. Financial Aid Advance Payments

Advance Payments are available for eligible students at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. Advance payments are intended to give students a portion of their award at the beginning of the semester to help purchase books and supplies.

• In order to provide advance payment, students must have filed early, finalize their FAFSA information and settle their semester tuition bill.

• Students may choose direct deposit method to receive financial aid refund via CUNYFirst Self Service. If not, the default is a paper check.

• Advance payments do not represent any additional financial aid. If a student receives an advance payment, the amount of this payment will be deducted from their regular Federal Pell/SEOG Grant disbursement.

Note: Students who receive a Financial Aid Advance but do not begin attendance in classes, must return the payment immediately to the college.

C. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) 

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is an award given to undergraduate students who show exceptional financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

• To receive FSEOG, students must meet the Student Eligibility requirements for federal financial aid.

• Students must be enrolled in at least a half-time status.

• Be eligible for Pell.

• The Award is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Note: Students Who Receive An SEOG Payment But Do Not Begin Attendance In Class, Must Return The Payment Immediately To the College.

Application Process

Apply for FSEOG by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Award notification for FSEOG

Students will receive an award notice via email from the college via CUNYfirst indicating whether or not FSEOG has been awarded. Check your financial aid awards by logging into the CUNYfirst.

Note: CUNY automatically considers a student for this award if his/her FAFSA application indicates Federal Work Study. File your FAFSA early. FSEOG college funding is limited.

D. Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is campus-based federal Title IV financial aid that comes in the form of employment. The FWS program provides students with an opportunity to be placed in a part-time job that accommodates their academic schedule. If you have questions about the Federal Work Study Program at BCC, you can email us at federalworkstudy@bcc.cuny.edu

Application Process:
Students that are interested must first complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must enroll in a matriculated course of study and register for at least six credits.

• Students receive FWS funds according to the number of hours worked. The rate of pay is at least minimum wage.

• Students are encouraged to choose job placements with an eye towards community service and/or future vocational interests.

• FWS funds are limited and are awarded to students on a first come, first served basis. File early for the best possibility of receiving FWS funds.

E. Federal Perkins Loan:

The Perkins Loan program funding ended on September 30, 2017.

F. Federal Direct Loan Program

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides federally insured, low-interest, long-term loans to help you and your parents cover the costs of attending college. The federal government is your lender though most of the contact will be with the loan servicer (assigned by the Department) not a bank or other lending institution. The loans are made directly to you or your parents through the college. The college determines your eligibility, calculates the loan amount and disburses the money. Once the loan is made, it is managed and collected by the U.S. Department of Education. Your direct loan is money that is borrowed and must be repaid with interest after you leave school.

Application Procedures
A student is required to first file a FAFSA and receive a valid response, with an official SAI (Student Aid Index) from the federal government.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen

• Be enrolled in a degree program at Bronx Community College

• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) in the semester

• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress

Loan Disbursement
Before a loan payment can be disbursed, a student must complete a Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. A student must also sign a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note. A Master Promissory Note is a binding legal document that lists the terms and conditions under which you are borrowing and agreeing to pay back the money. The student will be required to complete an Exit counseling if the student drops below half-time status, leaves college, transfer to another institution, withdraw from college or graduates.

G. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

• Eligibility for this loan is based on financial need, as determined by the federal government once a student completes a FAFSA. No interest is charged while a student is in college at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods.

• Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans made to undergraduate students have different fixed interest rates depending on the date the first loan was disbursed.

•  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Allows you to borrow money in addition to any subsidized loan amounts for which you may be eligible. You will be charged interest from the time an unsubsidized loan is disbursed until you pay the loan in full.

• The fixed interest rate on an unsubsidized loan is subject to change every year beginning on July 1st.

• Interest accrues and is charged during all periods, including grace and deferment periods

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

• Direct PLUS Loan allows the parents of dependent students to borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid received. PLUS Loan borrowers cannot have an adverse credit history. An authorization to check the parent’s credit must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office when applying for a PLUS Loan.

• Direct Loan Interest Rate For Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Parents of Undergraduate is subject to change every year beginning on July 1st.

• The federal government charges your parent(s) interest from the date of the first disbursement until the loan is paid in full. Although there is no grace period you may defer repayment of the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student drops below half-time.

• Your parent will have the option of paying the interest that accrues on a Direct Plus Loan while you are in school and during all periods (for example, during periods of deferment or forbearance). If your parent does not pay the interest that is charged on a PLUS Loan, the federal government will add it to the unpaid principal amount of the loan. This is called “Capitalization”.

• The Direct Loan Servicer assigned to monitor the PLUS Loan will send a statement to the borrower specifying how much interest has accrued on the loan(s) and the options for paying the interest accumulated.

Loan Fees
An origination fee will be charged by the Department on Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the amount of each loan you receive and is subtracted proportionately from each loan disbursement. This means the money you will receive will be less than the amount borrowed. The loan fee varies depending on the first disbursement date of the loan.

Students who are delinquent and/or in default on a federal loan or owe a repayment on a refund or federal grant, are not eligible to receive additional Federal Aid until the default, overpayment and/or the delinquent issues are resolved.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

The Scholarship Office assists students of all socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of financial need to apply for scholarships and assists students in finding financial assistance for paying the cost of higher education.

Bronx Community College Based Scholarships
Many CUNY colleges have scholarship programs that are available for their students. Information about these scholarships can be found in the Scholarship Office, located in Colston Hall, room 504; on the BCC website; and in the campus offices of Admissions and Financial Aid. The BCC Scholarship application can be found at http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/admission-financial-aid/ financial-aid/scholarships/ or email us at scholarships@bcc.cuny.edu for more information.

Prestigious External Scholarships

Jack Kent Cooke
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program
To be eligible, a student must either be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. community college or two-year institution with sophomore status or a recent graduate. The student:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better

• Plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to begin studies in the fall

• Be nominated by his/her two-year institution

Kaplan Leadership Foundation Program
To be eligible, a student must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited associate degree program in the New York City area

• To be eligible, a student must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited associate degree program in the New York City area

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Be a current recipient of federal and/state financial aid

• Be a member of an under-served or underrepresented population

• Plan to transfer to a bachelor’s program immediately upon completion of an associate degree

College Awards
Listed below are some awards for which students can apply to or nominate themselves if they meet the criteria. These scholarships usually are at or above $300. Applications are available for each scholarship on the College’s website or with Financial Aid’s Scholarship Manager in Colston Hall [CO], Room 501. A Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and selects the student(s) who meet(s) the criteria. All awards are subject to change based on funding.

Presidential Academic Excellence Scholarship
Presented to the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class. No nomination forms required. Students are selected by the Registrar’s Office based on grade point average. $500-$1,000.

Bronx CUNY Scholars Award
Preference is given to students with a GPA of 3.0 or better, with financial need and who have at least 6-degree credits. Must be eligible for and receiving Financial aid. Awards up to $500 but vary depending on budget.

Carl J. Polowczyk Memorial Scholarship
Presented to a student in science who will transfer to a senior college and plans to major in a scientific field.

Dr. James A. Colston Memorial Award
Given to a student with a superior academic record who intends to pursue a career in higher education.

Harry Lesser Memorial Award
Given to a student who is a resident of the Bronx who has demonstrated outstanding service to the College community, has a GPA of 2.5 or better, and demonstrates financial need.

Virgil H. Logan, Jr., Memorial Award
Presented to a student who has demonstrated superior scholarship and outstanding service to the College community.

The Dr. Joe Louis Rempson Scholarship
Presented by Unity and Strength Minority Faculty and Staff Association to students exhibiting academic excellence, high moral character, and leadership ability.

Mel Winter Memorial Award
Presented to a student who has shown outstanding qualities of leadership in an official position in student government and/or in a chartered student organization.

Association of Latino Faculty and Staff Scholarship
Given to a student of Hispanic or Latino origin who has excelled academically in his or her chosen major at BCC, and has made a contribution to the College or the community.

Bronx Rotary Scholarship
Given to four students who have made a contribution to BCC or the Bronx with a GPA of 3.0 or better and 30-degree credits.

Barnes and Noble Scholarship
Awarded to a student with financial need and a 2.7 GPA with 15-20 degree credits. It is to be used for books and other educational expenses.

DEPARTMENTAL AND CURRICULA AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships and/or awards are awarded annually to graduating students. Most are departmental awards that are based upon recommendations by the chairperson of the department and academic achievement. The amounts vary from year to year. Some awards do not have a monetary value, and all monetary awards are subject to change based on funding. Contact the Scholarship office at scholarships@bcc.cuny.edu for details regarding these scholarships and awards.

Art and Music
Harvey L. and Ruth Bass Memorial Scholarship
J. Kling Scholarship
Art Award
Music Award

Biological Sciences
Bernard Bates Memorial Scholarship 
Biology Faculty Memorial Scholarship
Dr. and Mrs. Israel Gottesman Memorial Scholarship

Business and Information Systems
Accounting Award
Business Administration Award
Programming and Systems Award
Marketing, Management, Sales Award
Benjamin Cutler Memorial Scholarship 
Marilyn Flood Memorial Scholarship 
Office Administration and Technology and Medical Assistant Programs Awards
Stella H. Kubis Memorial Scholarship
Edith White Rosenfeld Memorial Scholarship
Paralegal Studies Award
Peter Morganti Paralegal Studies Scholarship

Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences
Chemistry Award
Pre-Pharmacy Award
Patricia Babnis Memorial Award
William Hodge Scholarship

Communication Arts and Sciences
Communication Arts and Sciences Award
Media Technology Award
Performing Arts Award

Education and Academic Literacy
Education Associate Award
Mary and Ika Goodwin Memorial Scholarship

Engineering, Physics and Technology
Electrical Technology Award
Engineering Award
Automotive Technology Award
Lewis Carlin Memorial Award
Morris Meister Memorial Award
Telecommunications Technology Award
Nuclear Medicine Award
Yonny Segel Memorial Award
Union Carbide Mechanical Scholarship 

English
English Award
Eleanor Corrigan-Gosselin Memorial Award
Marsha Cummins Award

Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Health, Education and Recreation Award
Physical Education and Recreation Award

History
Mark D. Hirsch Award

Mathematics and Computer Science
Michael E. Bennett Memorial Scholarship
Irving Handel Memorial Scholarship
Gerald S. Lieblich Memorial Scholarship 

Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
Spirit of Nursing Award
Gertrude L. Dourdounas Certificate of Achievement 
Radiologic Technology Faculty Award
Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Award
Allstate Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
Maxine Church Memorial Scholarship
Beatrice Perlmutter Memorial Scholarship 
Lincoln Fund and Rudin Fund

Social Sciences
Human Services Award
Psychology Award
Economics Award
David M. Gordon Memorial Award
William Wahlin Memorial Scholarship

Student Development
Dr. Warren Baron Memorial Scholarship
Rosario Santa Rita Memorial Scholarship 

World Languages and Cultures
Professor John E. D’Andrea Award
French Award
Italian Award