New York State TAP and Other State Awards Certification

Certification

What Does Certification Mean?

Certification is the process through which the University of Mount Saint Vincent confirms that a student meets the applicable New York State eligibility requirements for a grant or scholarship.

An award listed on your financial aid offer is not a guarantee of payment. You must meet the applicable eligibility requirements before the University can certify your award.

If you do not meet the required eligibility criteria, your award may be decertified. A decertification notice will be sent to your UMSV email account. For more information about the reason for decertification, email the TAP Certifying Official at stateaid.certifications@umsv.edu.

When Does Certification Occur?

New York State financial aid certification begins after the fourth week of classes each semester, at the start of the fifth week.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) provides the University with a payment roster identifying students whose awards are available for certification.

What does this mean for you?

• Your state aid may appear on your bill before certification. If your award is included as an anticipated credit (memo), it is an estimate of expected financial aid, not a payment. The credit remains anticipated until the funds are officially paid (disbursed) to your student account.
• Your name must appear on the payment roster. If you are not listed, the University cannot complete your certification at that time.
• You must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Certification depends on your enrollment, academic standing, and other program-specific requirements.

Certification and disbursement are separate steps. Even after an award is certified, payment is subject to the applicable processing requirements.

High School Diploma, GED, or Ability to Benefit

To qualify for TAP, students must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• High school diploma: Graduate from a high school in the United States. The high school must be recognized or registered by NYSED. Your final official high school transcript must be on file with UMSV before the certification review begins.
• High school equivalency diploma (GED): Earn a high school equivalency diploma and provide the required documentation.
• Ability to Benefit (ATB): Pass a federally approved Ability to Benefit test, when applicable.

For additional information about ATB requirements, visit the New York State Education Department’s Ability to Benefit Testing Requirements.

Please note: UMSV does not offer an Ability to Benefit program.

Enrollment Requirements

Full-Time TAP

Students seeking full-time TAP generally must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester that apply toward their approved program of study.

Eligible coursework may include classes that fulfill:

• General education requirements.
• Major or minor requirements, when applicable.
• Electives that count toward the student’s degree requirements.

Courses that do not apply toward the student’s approved program of study generally cannot be counted toward the minimum credit requirement for full-time status.

Part-Time TAP

Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, eligible students may qualify for Part-Time TAP if they enroll in at least 3 but fewer than 12 applicable credits per semester.

Part-Time TAP has additional eligibility requirements, including a cumulative C average. Other program-specific conditions may apply. No additional application is required to be considered for Part-Time TAP.

For current eligibility requirements, visit the HESC Part-Time TAP webpage.

Maintaining Good Academic Standing

Students receiving TAP must meet New York State’s academic requirements to remain eligible for future awards.

These requirements include:

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Meeting the required standards for earned credits and cumulative grade point average.
• Pursuit of Program (POP): Completing coursework with passing or failing grades in the required percentage of coursework during each term in which state financial aid is received.

Your academic eligibility depends on applicable state requirements, including the number of state aid payments you have previously received and your enrollment status.

Withdrawing from courses, failing to complete required credits, or falling below the applicable academic standards may affect your eligibility for future state aid.

Students who do not meet the requirements may lose eligibility. Waivers or other options may be available in certain circumstances, subject to state regulations.

Questions About Your State Aid?

If you have questions about your TAP eligibility, certification status, or a decertification notice, contact the UMSV TAP Certifying Official at stateaid.certification@umsv.edu.