The Excelsior Scholarship Program is one of New York State’s most impactful higher-education initiatives, designed to make college more affordable for middle-income families. Through this program, eligible students can attend SUNY or CUNY colleges tuition-free, significantly reducing the financial burden of earning an undergraduate degree.
If you are a New York resident planning to pursue higher education at a public college, understanding how the Excelsior Scholarship Program works can help you save thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
What Is the Excelsior Scholarship Program?
The Excelsior Scholarship Program is a New York State–funded tuition assistance program that covers remaining tuition costs at State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions after other grants and scholarships are applied.
It is a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning federal and state aid such as Pell Grants and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) are applied first. The Excelsior Scholarship then pays any remaining tuition balance, allowing eligible students to attend college tuition-free.
Important note: The scholarship covers tuition only. Other expenses like housing, meals, books, and fees are not included.
Who Can Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship Program?
To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship Program, applicants must meet income, residency, academic, and enrollment requirements.
Income Requirements
- Combined federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of $125,000 or less
- Income must be verified through FAFSA and NYS aid applications
- Families experiencing income loss due to disability, divorce, separation, or death may request an income review
Residency & Citizenship
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Legal New York State resident for at least 12 continuous months
- Undocumented or non-resident students must apply through the NYS DREAM Act
Academic & Enrollment Requirements
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor’s)
- Enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credits per term)
- Must complete at least 30 credits per academic year
- Continuous enrollment without unapproved breaks
Colleges Covered Under the Excelsior Scholarship Program
The scholarship applies to:
- All SUNY colleges and universities
- All CUNY colleges and universities
- Statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University
Community colleges, four-year institutions, and approved five-year programs are all eligible if program requirements are met.
Excelsior Scholarship Award Details
- Covers full tuition at SUNY or CUNY colleges
- Award amount varies based on other financial aid received
- Paid annually after FAFSA and TAP are completed
- Renewable each year if eligibility requirements are maintained
Program Duration
- 2 years for associate degree programs
- 4 years for bachelor’s degree programs
- 5 years for approved five-year programs
- Opportunity program students may complete bachelor’s degrees in five years with reduced annual credit requirements
Credit & Continuous Enrollment Rules
Students must stay on track academically to keep the award.
- 30 credits per year required (24 credits for opportunity programs)
- Credits earned in high school may count if accepted toward the degree
- Approved interruptions include:
- Medical or mental health reasons
- Military service
- Death of an immediate family member
- Parental leave or caregiving responsibilities
Failure to meet credit or enrollment requirements may result in loss of the scholarship.
Post-Graduation Residency Requirement
Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship Program must:
- Live in New York State for the same number of years they received the scholarship
- Work in New York State if employed during that period
If a student moves out of New York before completing the requirement, the scholarship converts into a no-interest loan.
How to Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship Program
Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or rejection:
- Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov
- Apply for NYS TAP (or DREAM Act application)
- Submit the Excelsior Scholarship application through NYS HESC
- Reapply every year to continue receiving benefits
Application Deadline
- Spring 2026 term: February 3, 2026
- Fall deadlines typically close by August 31
Applying early is strongly recommended.
Students With Disabilities
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
- Eligible students may attend less than full-time if necessary
- Must register with the campus disability services office
- All attempted credits must be completed successfully
These accommodations ensure equal access to the Excelsior Scholarship Program.
Who Should Not Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship Program?
Although the Excelsior Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity for many students, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Applicants should carefully review the program obligations before applying.
You may want to reconsider applying if:
- You plan to study part-time and do not qualify under ADA disability provisions
- You are unable to maintain full-time enrollment and complete at least 30 credits per year
- You expect to move out of New York State immediately after graduation
- You are unsure about meeting the post-graduation residency and employment requirement
- You already receive scholarships that fully cover tuition, making the Excelsior benefit minimal
Understanding these conditions in advance helps students avoid losing eligibility or converting the award into a loan later.
How the Excelsior Scholarship Program Covers Tuition (Example)
The Excelsior Scholarship Program works as a last-dollar award, meaning it fills the gap after other grants are applied. Below is a simplified example to help students understand how tuition coverage works:
Example Tuition Breakdown (SUNY College):
- Annual Tuition Cost: $6,870
- Federal Pell Grant: $3,500
- NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): $2,000
- Remaining Tuition Balance: $1,370
- Excelsior Scholarship Covers: $1,370
In this case, the student attends the SUNY college tuition-free, but remains responsible for non-tuition costs such as housing, meals, books, and campus fees.
Pros and Cons of the Excelsior Scholarship Program
Before committing, students should weigh both the benefits and limitations of the Excelsior Scholarship Program.
Advantages
- Covers 100% of tuition costs at SUNY and CUNY colleges
- Reduces or eliminates the need for student loans
- Available to middle-income families earning up to $125,000
- No interest charged if residency requirements are met
- Encourages graduates to live and work in New York State
Limitations
- Does not cover room, board, books, or fees
- Requires strict credit completion and continuous enrollment
- Mandatory post-graduation residency commitment
- Converts to a loan if residency rules are not fulfilled
Despite these limitations, for students planning to build their future in New York, the program remains one of the most valuable tuition-free college options in the U.S.
Visit Career Pathshala for More Useful Articles.
Why the Excelsior Scholarship Program Matters
The Excelsior Scholarship Program has transformed college affordability in New York by removing tuition barriers for thousands of students. For families earning $125,000 or less, it offers a realistic path to a debt-free education at respected public institutions.
For students committed to staying and working in New York, this program is one of the best tuition-free college opportunities in the United States.
Final Tip for Applicants
Complete your FAFSA and TAP before applying for the Excelsior Scholarship Program, maintain full-time enrollment, and plan ahead for the post-graduation residency requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
