SUNY and CUNY students with family incomes up to $125,000 per year can apply for tuition-free college.
Governor Kathy Hochul announces Excelsior Scholarship applications are now open for new applicants for the 2023-2024 school year hereThe Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible full-time students to attend SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year colleges tuition-free. This scholarship is administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
“The Excelsior Scholarship is one of the most promising programs in New York State, providing affordable college education to thousands of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “In an era of widening economic disparity, it is more important than ever that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. I encourage everyone interested to apply for success in this critical program that will help countless New Yorkers climb the ladder. “
Students from families with a federal adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 are eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship. Students must also:
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Plan to attend SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college -
Complete 30 credits per year to complete their program of study (including summer and winter terms); and -
Expect to earn an associate degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “The Excelsior Scholarship is a testament to New York’s commitment to making college more accessible to all students, regardless of their economic background. Giving more New Yorkers the opportunity to pursue a college degree is an important step in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. I thank Governor Hochul for his commitment to helping students reach their potential through this program.”
SUNY President John B. King, Jr. said, “New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program, Excelsior Scholarships, and other financial assistance play a vital role in keeping college affordable and making SUNY such an exceptional value proposition. It is our Governor and legislators’ commitment to This ongoing commitment ensures 53% of full-tuition-free in-state students. Last year alone, more than 20,000 students benefited from Excelsior Scholarships, and we encourage New Yorkers with dreams of completing higher education to apply and find out if they qualify. “
CUNY President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said“The Excelsior Scholarship Program has opened doors of education and opportunity to thousands of CUNY students. By enabling eligible students to attend college tuition-free, Excelsior has become an important part of CUNY’s mission to provide Pathways to upward economic and social mobility. We thank Governor Hochul for continuing to recognize the unparalleled value and importance of higher education to all New Yorkers.”
The Excelsior Scholarship is just one of the many ways New York State is making college affordable and accessible. Thanks to New York State’s generous Higher Education Assistance Program, more than 263,000 students received state financial aid in 2021-22, including approximately 30,000 students attending SUNY or CUNY tuition-free through Excelsior Scholarships.visit New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website Explore other options available to help pay for college.
For more information on the Excelsior Scholarship Program, please visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.
Applications for the 2023-2024 Excelsior Scholarship are open to first-time college entrants for the Fall 2023 semester and current undergraduate students who have never received an Excelsior Scholarship. Students currently receiving the Excelsior Scholarship do not need to complete this application to continue receiving the scholarship.Students eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship under the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act may apply here.
Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2023.
