Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) CUNY

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.

Be a current or newly accepted student at a participating CUNY college and an NYC or NYS resident as defined by the CUNY tuition and fee manual. Complete applicable FAFSA and New York State TAP applications each year and accept awarded federal and state grants (Pell, SEOG, TAP). Students who are not eligible to file for aid, or who receive no aid, may still join if otherwise eligible, but do not receive the tuition and fee gap award; ask the campus about the applicable alternative aid path, including NYS DREAM Act guidance. Enroll full time in an approved major and maintain good academic standing. Associate-degree pathway: be skills proficient in English (reading/writing) and math OR require no more than two semesters of developmental support under the CUNY Proficiency Score Index, and agree to finish the associate degree within six semesters of joining. Confirm approved majors, applicable credit count, intake and available places with the campus ASAP team. Meet regularly with the advisor, career specialist and tutors, attend required enrichment, and enroll immediately and continuously in any required developmental supports.

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.