News 12 Long Island has learned help is coming for college students on Long Island.

As part of the state budget, New York is doubling the minimum award for its tuition assistance program from $500 to $1,000.

The announcement came from Gov. Kathy Hochul at Farmingdale State College.

It is the first time in decades the state is increasing the minimum ‘Tap Award’ for college students.

Gov. Hochul says the state is also raising the income limit for the tuition assistance program, making 90,000 more students eligible for the grants.