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.

What is the Application Process?
Students 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. 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 Jose Peralta Dream Act application, please visit https:// www.hesc.ny.gov for up to date information.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen

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

• 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

• 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 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 for 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

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. Aid for Part-time Study (APTS)
Aid for Part-time Study (APTS) is a grant from New York State for students pursuing a degree as a part-time undergraduate student. The amount of the grant is determined by CUNY and is based upon the availability of funds from New York State.

Application Process

• To apply, a student must first complete the FAFSA then the TAP application.

• Second, complete a CUNY Supplement form. Log on to CUNYfirst>>HR/Campus Solutions>>Self-Service>>Student Center>>Finances>>Supplement Form link.

Eligibility Requirements

• Meet all of TAP eligibility requirements;

• Be enrolled part-time in a minimum of 3 but fewer than 12 semester hours with at least 3 of these being degree credits;

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher;

• Meet the program income limits: Students claimed by parents as a tax exemption or students who claim dependents of their own must have a New York State net taxable income below $50,501. Students not eligible to be claimed by parents as a tax exemption or who are single with no tax dependents must have a net taxable income below $34, 251; and

• Not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility.

  
  

D. 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.

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;
  
  Application Procedures
  A student is required to first file a FAFSA and receive a valid response, with an official EFC (Expected Family Contribution) 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 check 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 he or she drops below half-time status, leave college, transfer to another institution, withdraw from college or graduate.

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

• 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, room 528. 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.

Wayne D. Cooper Memorial Award
Awarded to a student who has exhibited a concern for others and who inspires in others academic and social progress, excellence in scholarship and high moral character. Self-nominations accepted.

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.

Mavis and Ephraim Hawthorn Golden Krust Scholarship
Awarded to a student of Caribbean descent. Majoring in liberal arts or business with a GPA of 3.5 or better with at least 15-degree credits. Two to four scholarships from $500- $1,000 are awarded.

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