2026 TICAS New York Policy Priorities - Higher Education Affordability, Accountability, and Equity

Oct 15, 2026

2026 TICAS New York Policy Priorities presents student-centered policy changes to help New York students complete postsecondary credentials that support economic mobility. It advances higher education affordability through reforms to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), including equity between dependent and independent students, extending eligibility from four to six years, and raising income thresholds for maximum awards. The agenda also strengthens accountability and consumer protection in student lending and education delivery, while expanding basic-need supports such as emergency aid and SNAP for Students.

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CategoryResearch & Report

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Accountability and Consumer Protection

Pass Workforce Pell legislation at the state level

Implement private student loan borrower and cosigner protections

Protect students from unfair and abusive practices

Basic Needs

Fund a Higher Education Emergency Aid Program

Pass the SNAP for Students Act

2026 TICAS New York Policy Priorities The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is a trusted source of research, design, and advocacy for student-centered public policies that promote affordability, accountability, and equity in higher education. We advocate for every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family wealth, to have access to a quality higher education program without the need to incur debt to realize their dreams of earning a college credential. This document outlines the policy changes needed to realize our vision for New York students to successfully complete a postsecondary credential that affords them a pathway toward economic mobility and reflects the need for increased state involvement and oversight given the sweeping changes in federal higher education policy. An undergraduate higher education must be affordable for students from low-income backgrounds. TICAS advocates for increased investment in New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), including: Eliminate TAP inequities between dependent and independent students. TICAS’ Independently Unaffordable report shows that most independent students are in the lowest income bracket, have greater financial responsibilities, and take on more debt. Yet, dependent students are eligible for up to $5,665 in TAP assistance, while independent students (without tax dependents) are only eligible for up to $3,525 . Income eligibility limits also differ: $125,000 for dependent, $60,000 for independent married, and $30,000 for independent single students. A separate formula used for independent single students yields disproportionately lower awards. TICAS supports S1498 (Fahy) to eliminate distinctions and ensure equity for independent students. Extend availability of TAP for college students from four to six years. In New York, less than half (47 percent) of students in the Fall 2019 public four-year college cohort finished their college degrees in four years, yet the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is only available for students for four years. The end of TAP assistance could make completion impossible for many students, even after they and the state have invested considerably in their education. TICAS supports A508 (Anderson)/S3779 (Gounardes) to increase the eligibility timeline to six years. Increase income thresholds for students to receive maximum TAP awards. TAP awards max out at a family net taxable income (NTI) of $7,000 for dependent, independent with children, and independent married students and at $3,000 for independent single students—amounts below the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines, median income, and minimum wage income for the state. TICAS supports A5539 (Hyndman)/S1732 (Fahy) to increase the threshold to receive a maximum award from $7,000 to $18,000 for dependent and independent married students and advocates for the same increase for single independent students. 2026 TICAS NY Policy Priorities Accountability and Consumer Protection With new programs and changes in federal lending coupled with the loss of federal oversight over student loan servicing abuses, predatory schools, and online education providers, New York must create guardrails and strengthen consumer protections for students and borrowers. Pass Workforce Pell legislation at the state level. Starting July 1, 2026, short-term (8 to 15 weeks) programs that meet criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Education—including completion and job placement rates of 70 percent and “median value-added earnings” that exceed tuition and fees—will be eligible for Pell grants. Governor Hochul must certify that programs adequately prepare students and lead to recognized, stackable credentials. TICAS has developed model state legislation that would facilitate certification by July 1, 2026, ensure only legitimate programs leading to upward economic mobility qualify, and prevent students’limited Pell dollars from being squandered on valueless programs. Implement private

FAQs

What policy reforms does TICAS propose for TAP eligibility and fairness in New York?

TICAS supports eliminating inequities between dependent and independent students, extending TAP availability from four to six years, and increasing income thresholds so more students can receive maximum awards.

How does TICAS address accountability and consumer protection in higher education and lending?

TICAS calls for state action to regulate workforce Pell eligibility, strengthen protections for private student loan borrowers and cosigners, and enable a private right of action for violations related to unfair and abusive practices.

What basic-need supports does TICAS advocate for New York students?

TICAS supports funding a Higher Education Emergency Aid Program in the FY 2026-27 budget and passing the SNAP for Students Act to improve financial support for students’ core needs.

Oct 15, 2026

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