Students Tell Lawmakers that TAP Increases Access to College, is a Sound Investment in New York's Future

ALBANY, NY (03/07/2012)(readMedia)-- More than 100 students, faculty and administrators from New York's degree-granting proprietary colleges today reminded lawmakers that TAP is both a smart investment in the state's future and a vehicle that allows New Yorkers to maintain access to higher education.

In highlighting their message, delegates representing New York's Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC) thanked lawmakers for rejecting deep cuts to TAP in recent years, and acknowledged their support of the governor's proposed 2012-13 budget, which maintains TAP at current levels.

However, APC delegates reminded lawmakers that in 2010, students enrolled in colleges that only offer two-year degrees had their TAP awards slashed by 20 percent. As a result the maximum award went from $5,000 to $4,000. The reduction impacted thousands of students, some of whom need TAP the most.

"APC college students earn associate degrees at a rate that is 55.4 percent higher than the statewide average for students completing their degrees in two years," said Stephen Jerome, APC board chairman and president of Monroe College in the Bronx and New Rochelle. "We are asking lawmakers to consider reversing the reductions they approved in 2010 because of its negative impact on many of the state's neediest students."

TAP helps economically disadvantaged students attend college, including single parents, working men and women, and minorities. Many of these students have the academic qualifications to attend college, but TAP gives them the financial means. For many students, entering the higher education pipeline through two-year degree granting programs is their only option.

The delegation told legislators that APC member colleges continue to produce significant positive outcomes, including:

• Timely Completion of Associate Degree Programs.
  APC students earn associate degrees at a rate of 55.4 percent higher than the statewide averages for students completing their degree requirements in two years.

• A Proven Path to a Bachelor's Degree.
  For first-time students pursuing bachelor's degrees, graduation rates at APC colleges exceed the statewide college average by more than 8 percent.

• A Successful Transition to College.
  At APC colleges, students who previously struggled in the classroom excel – graduating at a rate nearly 2 times better than other New York State colleges.

• An Affordable Education.
  From 2005 through 2009, tuition at APC colleges remained affordable – on average, a savings of more than 40 percent from a private, four-year college.

The delegation carried specific messages to lawmakers: TAP is not only an investment in individual students – who earn degrees and become productive, taxpaying members of their communities – but it's also an opportunity for the state, which, through tuition assistance, helps create its future tax base.

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The Association of Proprietary Colleges represents 27 regents accredited, degree-granting colleges located on 41 campuses across New York. APC Colleges offer degrees in associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, in disciplines including business, health care, hospitality management, graphic arts, and technology.