Pioneer Passport

YOUR PASSPORT TO SUCCESS

Qualified First-Year Students Attend Tuition-Free!

Since its founding, Utica University has been committed to affordability and providing motivated students with access to a quality private university education, regardless of their means. Utica University already offers one of the lowest tuition prices among private universities in the region. The Pioneer Passport program takes this commitment to the next level by offering a zero-dollar tuition option for qualified first-year students.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

If you are:

★ a resident of New York state
... AND ...
★ have an annual family income of $65,000 or less (2023 tax year)

Pioneer Passport covers all of your out-of-pocket tuition costs and mandatory fees. That's right - just meet the academic requirements for admission and you can attend Utica University tuition-free!

BEST VALUE | ZERO TUITION

With a full selection of career-focused programs, real-world learning, accomplished faculty, and an emphasis on student success supported through a network of services, Utica University offers tremendous value and limitless opportunities for achievement as a professional and a member of your community. Pioneer Passport is our way of making the benefits of a Utica education available to families of all income levels. Be a part of our dynamic, welcoming community - start your Pioneer journey today!

Get More Information:

Students and Parents School Counselors

Studying at Utica

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Utica University Students

Want to know more about Pioneer Passport? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions:

A: If you are applying as a first-year main campus student and you are a New York State resident (as determined by TAP eligibility guidelines)* with a family income of $65,000 or less and typical assets (based on your 2023 tax filings), you are automatically eligible for zero tuition under Pioneer Passport. Just submit your FAFSA (Utica's federal school code is 002883) and we'll do the rest. Your New York State TAP application can be submitted along with your FAFSA, or separately via the NYS Tuition Assistance Program website.

* To be eligible for TAP, you must:

Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and a resident of New York State. Students who do not meet residency requirements may be eligible for TAP through the NYS DREAM Act
Have graduated from high school in the United States, or earned a high school equivalency diploma
Study full-time undergraduate (at least 12 credits per semester) at an approved postsecondary institution in New York, be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing with at least a cumulative "C" average as of the 4th semester payment
Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
Not be in default on any state or federal student loans and not be in default on any repayment of State awards
Meet income requirements:
- $125,000 for dependent undergraduate students or independent students who are married and have tax dependents, or independent students who are unmarried and have tax dependents
- $60,000 for married independent undergraduate students who have no other tax dependents
- $30,000 for unmarried independent undergraduate students with no tax dependents

(Source: NY State TAP site)

A: If you are accepted to Utica University, you meet all the academic requirements for zero tuition. See our First Year Admissions page for more information.

A: No, there is no special application for Pioneer Passport. Just apply for admissions at Utica University and complete your FAFSA (Utica's federal school code is 002883) and NYS TAP applications. We'll handle the rest.

A: There is no deadline, though we strongly recommend submitting your admissions application, FAFSA, and NYS TAP applications as soon as possible.

A: The goal of Pioneer Passport is that you can attend Utica University tuition-free. It is a "last-dollar" aid program that covers tuition and mandatory fee costs that are not covered by other scholarship and grant programs. In other words, once you receive your TAP, Pell Grant, and other benefits, Pioneer Passport pays any remaining tuition balance. It's that simple.

A: You must be a New York State resident to receive this benefit. If you change your residency to another state, you will no longer be eligible for Pioneer Passport.

A: Yes, you are. And thank you for your service.

A: No, Pioneer Passport is not currently available to transfer students. However, Utica University is an extremely transfer-friendly institution with generous financial aid opportunities for transfers students. Learn more on our Transfer Admissions page.

A: If your tuition is fully covered by military or employer benefits, you are not eligible to receive Pioneer Passport. The goal of the program is to pay remaining tuition and mandatory fees for students who cannot meet the expenses out-of-pocket and who do not have access to these types of benefits.

A: Pioneer Passport is like other need-based financial aid programs. If your family income exceeds the $65,000 annual maximum, you will no longer be eligible. However, if your income stays within that limit, the funding will be available to you for your full four years at Utica.