New York State Enhanced Tuition Program

My daughter started her Freshman year in the fall of 2018. New York State approved her application for the
Enhanced Tuition Program. It now needs to be processed by the college. Well, it’s February 2019 and we still don’t have our money. Is there anybody out there that has applied and actually received this award? I’m beside myself because I can’t even get the school to call me back.

@sybbie719

Is this the excelsior??

Have you called HESC (the NYS Higher Ed Services Corp)? They handle the state grants. Google NYS HESC and their .gov website should come right up.

Unless you are full pay, I would not expect to see any money refunded to you. If you do get it, it will probably go to the school as a credit and they will most likely reduce their own funds making it a wash.

While you may be eligible for enhanced tuition does the school participate in the programs. Most private’s schools did not see a benefit. The max credit is 4K, which they are probably giving more even in token financial aid. To accept the funds the must also freeze tuition for 4 years.

I agree with @austinmshauri contact HESC to find out if your school is even participating in the program (they have the choice of opting out)

You might be better served just taking the AOTC on your taxes.

@thumper1 no, this is a program for participating private schools in New York State. It’s to help private school kids who can’t get the Excelsior.

@sybbie719 Yes, our school (LIU, Long Island University) is participating.

I’ve contacted HESC but they tell me its up to the school now.

Still haven’t heard from anyone who actually got the money and when.

Thanks for your help!

Excelsior can only be used at SUNY/CUNY. Enhanced tuitioncan be used at private NYS schools that participate in the program

@mommaofdrama you/your daughter really need to continue contacting the school’s FA office. Going there in person to meet with a FA counselor might be best. Personally, I would ask for someone with more experience than less as this is a fairly new program and not all FA counselors correctly understand it.

@mom2twogirls you’re right, that’s exactly what I need to do.