New York State DREAM Act (José Peralta)

NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)

Rolling admissions

Amount

Access to New York State tuition aid, such as TAP grants and, for some students, the Excelsior Scholarship

Location

New York State · Remote

Cost

Free

Class level

High school, Community college, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Lets undocumented students and some other immigrants in New York get state college aid, like the TAP grant, that they cannot get through the FAFSA. Applications for 2026–27 and 2027–28 are open.

Why it matters

Federal aid is closed to most undocumented students. This application opens New York State money for CUNY and SUNY tuition instead. It is free and takes one online form.

Who can apply

Undocumented studentsDACA / TPS

Made for undocumented students and some other immigrant students in New York. International (F-1) students are not eligible.

Eligibility

For undocumented students and some other immigrant students living in New York. You need either two years of high school in New York (and you apply within five years of graduating), a New York high school equivalency diploma, or eligibility for in-state tuition at SUNY or CUNY. International students on a visa are not eligible. Each state program (TAP, Excelsior) has its own income and enrollment rules.

What you need

• Undocumented or another eligible immigrant category, living in New York
• Two years of high school in New York and within five years of graduating, OR a New York equivalency diploma, OR eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY or CUNY
• Not on a student or other temporary visa
• Each award (TAP, Excelsior) has its own income and enrollment rules

How to apply

Fill out the free NYS DREAM Act application on hesc.ny.gov. It is open all year, but the TAP award for each school year has a June deadline, so apply early. Ask your college financial aid office for help.

Open all year. TAP has a June deadline for each school year, so apply early.