The Excelsior Scholarship Program opens applications to students from families with an income of $125,000 or less to attend state-operated colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) or the City University of New York (CUNY) without having to pay tuition.
Application Deadline:
- August 31, 2026.
Tell Me About the 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 (like Pell and TAP) are applied first, and Excelsior covers the remaining tuition balance.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Undergraduate degree programs at SUNY and CUNY colleges, including community colleges and statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University.
Type:
- Tuition-Free Undergraduate Scholarship | New York State
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months.
- Have a combined household federal adjusted gross income ≤ $125,000.
- Be in good standing on student loans and prior NYS awards.
- Have graduated from a U.S. high school, earned a GED, or passed an Ability to Benefit test.
- Be enrolled full-time (≥12 credits per term) and complete ≥30 credits per year toward their program.
- Maintain continuous enrollment (exceptions allowed for military duty, parental leave, medical reasons, or family care).
- Agree to live and work in New York State for the same number of years they received the scholarship.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Based on income eligibility, residency, academic enrollment, and compliance with credit requirements.
- Students must complete FAFSA and TAP (or DREAM Act application for undocumented students).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- United States (New York State residents).
- Non‑residents and undocumented students may apply through the NYS DREAM Act.
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
- SUNY and CUNY colleges/universities in New York State.
How Many Awards?
- Thousands of awards annually; all eligible applicants are considered.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- Covers full tuition at SUNY or CUNY colleges.
- Students attend tuition‑free, with other grants applied first.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- 2 years for associate degree programs.
- 4 years for bachelor’s degree programs.
- 5 years for approved five‑year programs or opportunity programs.
Required Documents:
- FAFSA application.
- TAP application (or DREAM Act application).
- Income Eligibility Determination Form (if income was adversely affected by disability, divorce, separation, or death of parent/spouse).
- Proof of NYS residency and citizenship/eligible noncitizen status.
How to Apply:
- Complete FAFSA and TAP (or DREAM Act application).
- Submit Excelsior Scholarship application when portal opens in May 2026.
- Provide required documentation for income, residency, and academic eligibility.
- Accept scholarship terms, including post-graduation residency/work requirement.
📞 For help: Call 1-888-697-4372 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–4:30 pm).
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
