James Spoth

James SpothRochester Institute of Technology
Class of 2011
Computer Engineering
Hometown: Clarence Center, NY

As a stereotypical “poor college student”, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) has made a large difference in my ability to obtain higher education. Throughout my college selection process, I was forced to weigh academic excellence against financial reality, and state sponsored aid made it possible for me to consider studying at all of New York’s great universities and further my education at the highest level. Because of financial assistance from state programs such as TAP, I was able to consider high caliber schools such as Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which I could not afford to attend otherwise.

Now that I am a college student, TAP has helped lower my cost of attending RIT, which has left me funds to purchase items essential to my education, such as a computer and textbooks. In addition, this financial aid has increased the amount of time I can devote to study by lessening my need for employment, even though I currently hold a part time job. The assistance I receive from the TAP is essential to my success in college, and therefore is helping to benefit the rest of my life.

Although state sponsored aid has helped me attend one of New York’s top schools, it could certainly make a difference for a student who is considering attending college verses joining the work force. In addition, assisting students attend college in New York State would help contribute to those students staying in New York after graduation to earn a living and start a family. In short,TAP and other state-supported student aid programs help educate New York and make this state an even better place to live.

I am currently a first year Computer Engineering student, an RIT Student Ambassador, and a member of the RIT Honors program.