New York

TICAS submitted written testimony on higher education priorities to the New York state legislature for their 2026 Joint Budget Hearing. Our testimony outlines policies and funding that NY state can implement to increase college access and affordability, strengthen accountability and consumer protections, increase basic needs security, and provide greater data transparency.

New York students completing a bachelor's degree are eligible for TAP for four years of study. However, the average time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree from SUNY or CUNY is more than five years. This fact sheet illustrates why extending TAP eligibility from four to six years is a more effective use of state funds and a vital support for students. 

Our 2026 policy priorities for New York state outline higher ed policy changes to improve college affordability, consumer protection, basic needs support, college completion, data transparency, and college access.

In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget, Kirsten Keefe, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for New York at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), issued the following statement:   

This report shows how the unique distinctions New York's Tuition Assistance Program makes in categorizing Independent and Dependent students lead to lower grant awards for Independent students, most of whom are low income and on average have higher debt burdens. We offer recommendations to make TAP fairer and advance the state’s commitment to upward mobility and opportunity.

This fact sheet details changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid from H.R.1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It highlights potential impacts the legislation may have on the New York state budget, as well as basic needs security for students and residents.