The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible New York State residents from families earning $125,000 or less to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning federal and state grants are applied first, and Excelsior covers the remaining tuition balance.
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) administers the Excelsior Scholarship Program. HESC is a public benefit corporation that helps students and families access financial aid and plan for college. The program aims to make higher education more affordable for New York residents.
Excelsior Scholarship Benefits
- Covers tuition expenses at a SUNY or CUNY college
- Allows students to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free
- Is a ‘last dollar’ scholarship; any federal or NYS grants or scholarships, including PELL and TAP, are applied to tuition first and the Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining tuition expenses
Excelsior Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Your household combined federal adjusted gross income must be $125,000 or less
- You must be in good standing (a non-default status) on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award
- You must be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award that you have previously received
- You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- You are a legal resident of New York State and have resided in New York State for 12 continuous months
- Graduated from a High School in the U.S.; earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED) or passed a federally approved ‘Ability to Benefit’ test
- Be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University
- Be enrolled full-time in at least 12 credits per term applicable to your program of study and successfully complete at least 30 credits each year, applicable toward your degree program
- Be continuously enrolled without any pauses in enrollment
- Recipients must agree to reside in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years you received the scholarship and, if employed during such time, be employed in New York State
How to Apply for Excelsior Scholarship?
- Complete FAFSA and TAP (or DREAM Act application)
- Submit Excelsior Scholarship application when portal opens
- Provide required documentation for income, residency, and academic eligibility
- Accept scholarship terms, including post-graduation residency/work requirement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Excelsior Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students from families earning $125,000 or less to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning federal and state grants are applied first, and Excelsior covers the remaining tuition balance.
Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, legal residents of New York State for at least 12 continuous months, have a combined household federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less, and be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at a SUNY or CUNY college.
What is the deadline for the Excelsior Scholarship?
The deadline for the 2026-2027 academic term is August 31, 2026. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and TAP or DREAM Act application before applying.
What does the Excelsior Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition expenses at a SUNY or CUNY college. It is a last-dollar scholarship, so any federal or NYS grants or scholarships, including PELL and TAP, are applied to tuition first, and Excelsior covers any remaining tuition expenses.
How long does the Excelsior Scholarship last?
The duration depends on the program: 2 years for associate degree programs, 4 years for bachelor’s degree programs, and 5 years for approved five-year degree programs or opportunity programs.
What are the post-graduation requirements?
Recipients must agree to reside in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years they received the scholarship and, if employed during that time, be employed in New York State. Failure to do so may convert the award to a no-interest loan.
Can I apply if I am not a New York State resident?
Non-New York State residents, including undocumented students, may apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act before submitting their Excelsior Scholarship application.
What are the credit requirements?
Students must be enrolled full-time in at least 12 credits per term and successfully complete at least 30 credits each year applicable toward their degree program. Opportunity program students need 24 credits each academic year.
What happens if I need to pause my enrollment?
A pause in enrollment or reduction in credits is only allowable for reasons such as death of an immediate family member, active military duty, parental leave, medical conditions, or caring for an immediate family member with health needs. You must request an allowable interruption review through your college.
How do I apply for the Excelsior Scholarship?
Complete the FAFSA and TAP or DREAM Act application, then submit the Excelsior Scholarship application when the portal opens. Provide required documentation for income, residency, and academic eligibility, and accept the scholarship terms including the post-graduation residency/work requirement.
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