Scholarships & Grants

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The TAP program is funded by New York State for residents who are enrolled full-time during the academic year and/or at least half-time during summer. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 and are based on a family's New York State net taxable income. To apply, students must complete a TAP application which can be done when filing the FAFSA. Tap eligibility is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Other State Grant Programs

Vermont and Rhode Island have transferable grant programs for their residents. The amounts vary and are usually based on need. Contact your state higher education assistance office for information.

Federal Pell Grant Program

Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on demonstrated federal need as determined by the FAFSA form. Awards range from $890 to $4731. Full and part-time students are eligible for Pell with a prorated amount used for part-time students. Students must file the FAFSA and submit supporting documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office.

New York Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

To qualify for this program a student must be a NY State resident and be economically and educationally disadvantaged. Union has a similar program for non-New York residents (AOP). Need is met through a combination of state, federal, and institutional funds. In addition to the financial component, the program offers support services such as counseling and tutoring. There is not a separate application required for this program.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Federal grants ranging from $1000 to $4000 offered to the neediest students who are also Pell recipients. Full and part-time students are eligible for SEOG. To apply students must file the FAFSA and submit supporting documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

This program is for freshman and sophomores who have completed a rigorous program of study in high school. Recipients of this grant must also qualify for a Pell Grant. In addition, to receive the grant as a sophomore, the student must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average by the end of freshman year. The amount of the grant is $750 for freshman and $1300 for sophomores. The financial aid office will notify the student if he or she qualifies.

Federal Smart Grants

These grants are for juniors and seniors who are majoring in certain areas as defined by the Department of Education. Like the ACG program, recipients must be Pell eligible. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. The amount of the grant is $4000 per year for both juniors and seniors.

Union College Scholarships

Including all of the College’s endowed and annual scholarships, this is by far the largest single source of assistance available to our students. Most of the scholarship money offered is based on need as determined by the FAFSA and PROFILE forms. Union does offer some merit awards ranging from $5000 to $10,000 per year. It is not necessary to complete a separate application to qualify for a merit scholarship.

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Admissions Home Visit Campus Apply to Union Cost & Financial Aid Costs Aid Programs Scholarships & Grants Loans Student Employment Other Programs Application Process & Deadlines Loan Process Tools and Resources Contact Us Forms Union at a Glance FAQs Contact Us	Scholarships & Grants New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) The TAP program is funded by New York State for residents who are enrolled full-time during the academic year and/or at least half-time during summer. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 and are based on a family's New York State net taxable income. To apply, students must complete a TAP application which can be done when filing the FAFSA. Tap eligibility is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time study. Other State Grant Programs Vermont and Rhode Island have transferable grant programs for their residents. The amounts vary and are usually based on need. Contact your state higher education assistance office for information. Federal Pell Grant Program Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on demonstrated federal need as determined by the FAFSA form. Awards range from $890 to $4731. Full and part-time students are eligible for Pell with a prorated amount used for part-time students. Students must file the FAFSA and submit supporting documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office. New York Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) To qualify for this program a student must be a NY State resident and be economically and educationally disadvantaged. Union has a similar program for non-New York residents (AOP). Need is met through a combination of state, federal, and institutional funds. In addition to the financial component, the program offers support services such as counseling and tutoring. There is not a separate application required for this program. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Federal grants ranging from $1000 to $4000 offered to the neediest students who are also Pell recipients. Full and part-time students are eligible for SEOG. To apply students must file the FAFSA and submit supporting documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) This program is for freshman and sophomores who have completed a rigorous program of study in high school. Recipients of this grant must also qualify for a Pell Grant. In addition, to receive the grant as a sophomore, the student must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average by the end of freshman year. The amount of the grant is $750 for freshman and $1300 for sophomores. The financial aid office will notify the student if he or she qualifies. Federal Smart Grants These grants are for juniors and seniors who are majoring in certain areas as defined by the Department of Education. Like the ACG program, recipients must be Pell eligible. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. The amount of the grant is $4000 per year for both juniors and seniors. Union College Scholarships Including all of the College’s endowed and annual scholarships, this is by far the largest single source of assistance available to our students. Most of the scholarship money offered is based on need as determined by the FAFSA and PROFILE forms. Union does offer some merit awards ranging from $5000 to $10,000 per year. It is not necessary to complete a separate application to qualify for a merit scholarship.
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