The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free.
The Excelsior Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available for new applicants. The application deadline is August 31, 2025. Current Excelsior Scholarship recipients should not complete a new application.
Eligibility
An applicant must:
- be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
- have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less;
- be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University;
- be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program;
- if attended college prior to the 2025-26 academic year, have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program prior to applying for an Excelsior Scholarship;
- be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;
- be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by a NYS award that you have previously received; and
- Execute a contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.
What You Need
To Complete the Application You Will Need:
- To complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP Application
- Copies of 2023 New York State income tax return(s) filled by you and your parent(s) or your spouse, as applicable
For more information, click here.
