Aid for Part-Time Study

The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies.

Application Form

To apply you must first complete the FAFSA and complete the Supplement form found on your CUNYFirst Student Center. When prompted for institution, use SPS01. Complete this as early as possible as funds are limited. While not required, it is advised to complete the TAP application as well.

Qualifying Program and Credits

You must be a matriculated student. For this program at CUNY part-time study means being enrolled for at least 3 but fewer than 12 credits per semester.

Resident information

You must be a New York State resident.

Eligibility

To be considered for an APTS award, students must:

  • Enroll part time as matriculated students in approved undergraduate degree programs or registered specific certificate programs certificate programs;
  • Meet the program income limits;
  • Be New York State residents and either United States citizens or qualifying non-citizens;
  • Have a tuition charge of at least $100 per year;
  • Not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility;
  • Maintain good academic standing;
  • Not be in default on a Federal Direct and/or FFEL Stafford Loan;
  • You must maintain a "C" average after having received the equivalent of two full years of payment of State-sponsored student financial aid;
  • Be a high school graduate, or receive the equivalent of a high school certificate, or receive a passing grade on a federally-approved examination if receiving a State-sponsored award for the first time in the 1996-97 academic year.

Qualifying for APTS and PTAP

Some students may qualify for both APTS and PTAP. Please keep in mind, if you do receive both, you will be using an additional 3 points for APTS regardless of enrollment whereas PTAP is prorated by your enrollment. APTS will only cover the remaining tuition amount as state awards are only applicable to tuition. There is both an annual limit of 12 points and a lifetime limit of 48 points for state grants. 

Income Limits

Eligibility for an APTS award is based on New York State net taxable income from the preceding calendar year.

  • If students were eligible to be claimed as tax dependents by their parents, family New York State NET taxable income can be as much as $50,550 to qualify for an award. Family income includes student AND parents' income.
  • If students were not eligible to be claimed by their parents as tax dependents, their New York State NET taxable income (including spouse's income) can be as much as $34,250 to qualify for an award. Spouse's income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.
  • If students were not eligible to be claimed by their parents but were eligible to claim tax dependents other than self and/or spouse, New York State NET taxable income (including spouse's income) can be as much as $50,550 to qualify for an award. Spouse's income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.