Excelsior Scholarship: Tuition-Free College for Eligible New Yorkers in 2025

New York State is continuing its commitment to making higher education more accessible with the Excelsior Scholarship. The program, now open for 2025 applications, allows eligible students to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges tuition-free.

Eligibility Requirements

The Excelsior Scholarship is available to students who meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and legal residents of New York for at least one year before the term begins.

• Academic Background: Students must have a high school diploma, GED, or pass a federally approved Ability to Benefit test.

• Enrollment: Full-time enrollment at a SUNY or CUNY institution is required, with students needing to complete at least 30 credits annually toward their degree.

• Income Limits: Household federal adjusted gross income must not exceed $125,000.

How to Apply

Applications for the Spring 2025 semester are due by February 3, 2025. Students must first complete the FAFSA and the New York State TAP application before submitting their Excelsior Scholarship application.

Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship covers remaining tuition costs after applying other financial aid, including federal and state grants. It provides funding for up to:

• Two years for associate degree programs.

• Four years for bachelor’s degree programs.

• Five years for approved five-year programs.

Post-Graduation Commitment

Recipients must live and work in New York State for the same number of years they receive the scholarship. If this obligation is not met, the scholarship converts to a loan that must be repaid.

For details or to apply, visit the HESC website.

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