New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

Excelsior Scholarship Program

The Excelsior Scholarship Program enables students from families earning $125,000 or less to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. This is a "last dollar" scholarship, meaning 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. Recipients must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per term) and complete at least 30 credits per year in their program of study. The scholarship covers 2 years for associate degrees, 4 years for bachelor's degrees, and 5 years for approved five-year degree programs. Post-graduation, 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 such time, be employed in New York State. If recipients move out of New York State before completing the residency requirement, all or part of the award will be converted to a no-interest loan.