Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) CUNY

Be a current or newly accepted student at a participating CUNY college. For CUNY ASAP, be skills proficient in English (Reading/Writing) and Math, or require no more than two semesters of developmental support based on the CUNY Proficiency Score Index. Be an NYC or NYS resident per the CUNY tuition and fee manual. Complete the FAFSA and the New York State TAP application each year and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, SEOG, TAP). Associate-degree students agree to enter a full-time associate program in an approved major and graduate within six semesters. Bachelor's-degree students agree to enter a full-time bachelor's program in an approved major: freshmen and continuing/transfer students with fewer than 21 credits graduate within eight semesters; associate-degree-holding transfer students with 90 credits or fewer within four semesters. Current or transfer applicants should have no more than 21 college credits and be in good academic standing. Students under the New York State Dream Act may be eligible for state aid including TAP and Excelsior.

Benefits: an unlimited-ride OMNY card, a tuition and fee gap award, a textbook stipend, priority registration, personalized advisement, and academic and career support. CUNY publishes NO dollar amounts — the gap award covers whatever tuition and fees remain after financial aid, so it varies per student. Students not receiving financial aid but otherwise eligible may join, but may not receive a tuition and fee gap award — unlike SUNY ASAP|ACE, receiving aid is not an eligibility requirement here. Obligations: enroll full time each semester and maintain good academic standing, enroll immediately and continuously in any developmental supports, and meet regularly with an advisor, career specialist and tutors.

Be a New York City resident for at least one year before starting college. Be a high school graduate or hold a state-approved equivalency diploma. Have a college admissions average below 80. Be a first-year student — you must not have attended college previously, unless you are transferring from another opportunity program. Gross family income must meet the New York State economic eligibility guidelines.

Provides tuition assistance, academic advising, tutoring, mentorship, and financial aid toward books and transportation. CUNY publishes no dollar amounts for these. Participation in College Discovery qualifies a student for an opportunity program at a senior college, including SEEK, and the support continues after transfer.