Excelsior Scholarship

What Is the Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship is a state-funded program that provides tuitionfree education to eligible NewYorkState residents who enroll fulltime in an approved SUNY or CUNY college. Launched in 2017, the scholarship covers tuition costs for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided recipients meet certain academic and residency requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, students must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (e.g., permanent resident).
• Have lived in NewYorkState for at least 12months prior to the start of the academic year.
• Be enrolled fulltime (minimum 12 credits) at a SUNY or CUNY institution.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Earn a household income at or below $125,000 (adjusted annually).
• Graduate within six years of initial enrollment.
• Meet workstudy or communityservice requirements (see How It Works).

How It Works

While the scholarship covers tuition, students are responsible for other costs such as fees, books, and living expenses. To keep the award, recipients must:

• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester.
• Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per year (or 15 per semester).
• Participate in either the WorkStudy Option (35 hours per year) or the Community Service Option (40 hours per year).
• File an annual income verification form.
• Submit a graduation or transfer plan by the end of the second year.

If any condition is not met, the scholarship may be reduced or revoked, and the student may be required to repay the tuition already received.

Key Benefits

The Excelsior Scholarship offers several advantages:

• Zero tuition cost for up to four years, easing the burden of student debt.
• Open to a wide range of majors, allowing students to pursue diverse career paths.
• Eligibility for additional state aid (e.g., FAFSA, Tuition Assistance Program) can still be claimed.
• Encourages retention and graduation by linking support to academic progress.
• Promotes community engagement through the service or workstudy options.

Application Process

Applying for the Excelsior Scholarship involves several steps:

1. Complete the FAFSA (or NY State FAFSA) to determine eligibility for state aid.
2. Log in to the Excelsior Scholarship portal using your NewYorkState ID.
3. Upload required documents, including proof of residency, income verification, and academic transcripts.
4. Select your preferred workstudy or communityservice option.
5. Submit the application before the deadline (typically early spring for the upcoming academic year).
6. Monitor your portal for award decisions and any additional documentation requests.

Students who are accepted receive a notification that tuition will be billed directly to the state for each semester they remain eligible.

Helpful Resources

• Official Excelsior Scholarship website
• FAQ page Governors Office
• SUNY Excelsior information
• CUNY Excelsior information
• Local college financialaid office for personalized counseling.