The dream of a tuition-free college education is a reality for many New Yorkers thanks to the Excelsior Scholarship.
This groundbreaking program helps eligible students attend State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) colleges without the burden of tuition fees.
For many families, this scholarship opens doors that might have otherwise seemed closed.
What Is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State program designed to make public higher education more affordable.
Launched in 2017, it was the first program of its kind in the nation to offer tuition-free college for middle-class families.
It is a “last-dollar” scholarship, which means it covers any remaining tuition costs after other federal and state grants have been applied.
For example, if your SUNY or CUNY tuition is $7,000 and you receive a $3,000 Pell Grant and a $2,500 TAP award, the Excelsior Scholarship would cover the remaining $1,500.
It’s important to note that the scholarship only covers tuition. It does not pay for other college-related expenses such as:
- Room and board
- Textbooks and supplies
- Student fees
- Transportation
Who Is Eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must meet a specific set of criteria related to residency, income, and academic progress.
The requirements ensure the program benefits New York residents who are committed to their studies and to contributing to the state’s workforce after graduation.
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
- You must be a resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months before the start of the term.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. (Students who are not legal residents but qualify under the NYS DREAM Act may also be eligible).
Income Requirements
Your household’s federal adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $125,000 or less. This includes the income of the student, spouse, and parents, as applicable.
If your family’s income was negatively impacted by a death, disability, or divorce, you might be able to use your current income to determine eligibility.
Academic Requirements
High School
You must have graduated from a U.S. high school, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test.
College Enrollment
You must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and statutory colleges at Cornell and Alfred University.
Credit Completion
You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and successfully complete 30 credits each academic year that apply to your degree program.
Continuous Enrollment
You must be continuously enrolled without breaks. Exceptions are made for specific circumstances, such as military service or medical leave.
How to Maintain the Excelsior Scholarship
Once you receive the Excelsior Scholarship, keeping it requires consistent effort.
The two most critical components for maintaining your eligibility are credit completion and continuous enrollment.
The 30 Credit Rule
To continue receiving the award each year, you must earn 30 credits that count toward your major.
These credits can be completed across the fall and spring semesters, and you can also use winter and summer sessions to catch up.
For example, if you complete 12 credits in the fall and 15 in the spring, you could take a 3-credit summer course to reach the 30-credit threshold.
Progressive Credit Requirements for First-Time Applicants
If you’re applying for the first time but fell behind on credits in previous years, you have a chance to catch up.
The table below shows the number of credits you must have earned in your program of study before applying.
| Terms Completed | Credits Needed (Standard Programs) | Credits Needed (Opportunity Programs) |
| 1 | 15 | 12 |
| 2 | 30 | 24 |
| 3 | 45 | 36 |
| 4 | 60 | 48 |
Good Academic Standing
While there isn’t a specific GPA requirement tied directly to the Excelsior Scholarship, you must maintain good academic standing as defined by your college to remain eligible for state financial aid.
This generally means keeping your GPA high enough to progress in your degree program.
The Post Graduation Commitment
A unique feature of the Excelsior Scholarship is its post-graduation residency requirement.
When you accept the award, you sign a contract agreeing to live and work in New York State for a period equal to the number of years you received the scholarship.
For instance:
- Received the award for 2 years? You must live and work in NYS for 2 years.
- Received the award for 4 years? You must live and work in NYS for 4 years.
If you fail to meet this requirement by moving out of state before your time is up, the scholarship money you received will be converted into a zero-interest loan that you must repay.
There is a deferment option if you leave New York to attend graduate school.
You will have six months after completing your graduate studies to move back and start fulfilling your residency requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I have a disability?
Students with disabilities registered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be granted more flexibility.
What if I fail to meet the credit requirement?
If you fail to complete 30 credits in a year, you will lose the scholarship for future semesters. However, you may be able to regain eligibility by catching up on credits and reapplying in a subsequent year.
Can I use the Excelsior Scholarship for summer or winter classes?
No, the scholarship does not cover tuition for summer or winter terms. It only applies to the fall and spring semesters.
Your Path to a Tuition Free Degree
If you’re considering applying, the first steps are to complete the FAFSA and the New York State TAP application.
The Excelsior Scholarship application typically becomes available in the spring.
For the most current deadlines and information, always check the official New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.
