Paying for college shouldn’t be a burden that prevents you from pursuing your dreams. Fortunately, for New York State residents, the Excelsior Scholarship helps eligible students attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. In this guide, we will discuss how the program works, who is eligible, and how to successfully apply to secure your spot.
1. What Is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a groundbreaking financial aid program introduced by New York State, making it possible for eligible in-state students to attend SUNY (State University of New York) or CUNY (City University of New York) schools tuition-free. Launched in 2017, the program aims to remove financial barriers and increase college accessibility for thousands of New Yorkers every year.
Key Highlights
- Covers tuition costs at all SUNY and CUNY undergraduate colleges for eligible students.
- Requires meeting academic benchmarks and income criteria.
- Works in conjunction with other financial aid sources, such as Pell Grants and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program).
2. Excelsior Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, you must meet specific state residency, academic, and financial criteria. Below are the primary requirements:
- New York State Residency
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen who has lived in New York State for at least 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term.
- Enrollment Status
- Must be enrolled in a SUNY or CUNY institution, including community colleges, for at least 12 credits per semester (part-time study does not typically qualify).
- Degree Progress
- You need to be on track for on-time graduation, completing 30 credits per academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters combined).
- No Prior Default
- You should not be in default on any state or federal student loans.
- You must be in good academic standing per your institution’s policy.
By meeting these criteria, you’ll set the foundation for applying and being granted the Excelsior Scholarship.
3. Income Limits and Requirements
One of the most critical components of the Excelsior Scholarship program is its income threshold, which determines eligibility based on your family’s adjusted gross income (AGI).
Annual Income Limits
- For the 2025 academic year, the household income limit was $125,000.
- New York State periodically reviews this figure, which could adjust for the 2025 academic year. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines provided by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
How the Income Is Calculated
- The AGI of your household is calculated by combining the adjusted gross incomes of you and your parents (or spouse if you’re married).
- Income verification is typically done using the prior-year tax returns. For the 2025–2026 award year, for instance, the 2024 tax returns may be considered.
Other Financial Aid Considerations
- If you receive other forms of financial aid (like Pell Grants, TAP, or scholarships), those awards are applied first to your tuition bill.
- The Excelsior Scholarship then covers the remaining tuition up to the amount of in-state tuition at SUNY or CUNY.
- Note: The scholarship does not cover room and board, textbooks, or other fees (like student activity fees or lab fees). Plan accordingly.
4. How to Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship
Applying for the Excelsior Scholarship requires multiple steps to ensure the state has accurate information. Below is a quick overview:
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Go to FAFSA.gov and use your and/or your parents’ tax information to fill out the form.
- List your SUNY or CUNY schools on the application so that your data is sent to those institutions.
- Apply for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
- After filing your FAFSA, follow the prompt to fill out the TAP application if you’re a New York State resident.
- TAP helps lower tuition costs even further and is factored in before Excelsior is applied.
- Submit the Excelsior Scholarship Application
- Head to the New York State HESC website.
- Provide personal, academic, and financial information, including your SUNY/CUNY Student ID if available.
- Certify that you meet residency and credit-completion requirements.
- Monitor Your Application
- Keep an eye on your HESC account or email for updates.
- Respond promptly to any verification requests or additional documents needed.
5. Application Deadlines
While deadlines can vary each year, it is crucial to keep these general timelines in mind:
- FAFSA usually opens on October 1 for the following academic year.
- TAP applications follow the same cycle as FAFSA.
- Excelsior Scholarship applications often open in late spring or early summer and close in mid-summer for the upcoming fall semester.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re unsure about your eligibility, apply as soon as possible. Excelsior deadlines can shift, and funds or approvals might be limited if you wait too long.
6. Maintaining Excelsior Scholarship Eligibility
Receiving the Excelsior Scholarship isn’t a one-time transaction; you must continue to meet certain requirements to keep the award throughout your college years.
Academic Standards
- Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester and complete 30 credits each academic year.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress per your school’s guidelines (generally a minimum GPA requirement).
Residency Obligations
- You must continue to live in New York State for the length of time you received the scholarship after graduation.
- If you receive the scholarship for four years, you will be required to live and potentially work in New York for four years after graduating, or the scholarship may revert to a loan.
Annual Renewals
- Reapply or reconfirm your information with the New York State HESC each year.
- Submit the FAFSA and TAP applications annually, and ensure your household income still meets the thresholds.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Graduate Students Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: Currently, the Excelsior Scholarship only covers undergraduate programs. Graduate students may explore other financial aid options like assistantships, grants, or private scholarships.
Q2: Is There an Age Limit for the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: There isn’t a strict age limit. Non-traditional students can qualify, provided they meet the residency, academic, and income criteria.
Q3: Does the Excelsior Scholarship Cover Part-Time Enrollment?
A: No. Typically, you must enroll full-time (minimum 12 credits per semester) and meet the 30-credit annual requirement.
Q4: What If My Family’s Income Changes Mid-Year?
A: Income is generally assessed from the prior year’s tax returns. Major changes in financial circumstances can be appealed through your college’s financial aid office, but immediate mid-year adjustments might not be guaranteed.
Q5: Does Excelsior Pay for Summer Classes?
A: Yes, summer credits can count toward the 30-credit annual requirement, but Excelsior doesn’t always cover summer tuition directly. Check with your financial aid office, as applying leftover TAP or other grants might help cover summer courses.
8. Final Thoughts
The Excelsior Scholarship has opened doors for countless New York State residents seeking an affordable path to higher education. By understanding eligibility criteria, income limits, and the application process, you’ll be well-equipped to take advantage of this invaluable opportunity.
Stay Organized & Apply Early:
- Gather your tax documents and other financial details ahead of time.
- Pay attention to deadlines for FAFSA, TAP, and Excelsior applications.
- Monitor your HESC account and email regularly for updates or requests for additional information.
Remember: Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth applying. You never know what financial aid possibilities you might unlock in your pursuit of a degree at a SUNY or CUNY institution. With the right preparation and timely application, you can make your college education both achievable and budget-friendly.
Related Resources
- NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)—official site for Excelsior updates and applications.
- FAFSA: Federal application for financial aid.
- SUNY & CUNY—official portals for the university systems in New York.
Disclaimer: Scholarship eligibility requirements and deadlines can change. Always refer to the official New York State HESC website or your school’s financial aid office for the most accurate, up-to-date information on the Excelsior Scholarship.