Excelsior Scholarship (2026-2027) – Free College Tuition in New York State
Scholarship Description
The Excelsior Scholarship is a groundbreaking New York State program that provides free tuition to eligible students attending SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) colleges. Launched in 2017, this initiative makes college more accessible and affordable for New York residents, helping to build the state's future workforce and strengthen the economy.
The scholarship covers tuition costs after other financial aid (such as Pell Grants and TAP) have been applied. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the application is open to new applicants, continuing students, and those renewing their scholarship. The program reflects New York's commitment to investing in students and making higher education attainable for middle-class families.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) colleges and universities across New York State. This includes all SUNY campuses (64 campuses statewide) and CUNY campuses (25 campuses across New York City's five boroughs).
Scholarship Deadline
The Excelsior Scholarship application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Application Period: Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are currently open. The exact deadline varies each year but typically falls in late July or early August for the fall semester.
Recommendation: Complete the FAFSA and NYS TAP applications first, then apply for the Excelsior Scholarship before the published deadline.
Check Official Website: For the most current deadline information, visit the official New York State HESC (Higher Education Services Corporation) website.
Host Institution
SUNY (State University of New York) – America's largest comprehensive public university system, with 64 campuses including research universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges.
CUNY (City University of New York) – New York City's public university system, serving over 275,000 degree-seeking students across 25 campuses.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Undergraduate degree programs – Associate's degrees (2-year) and Bachelor's degrees (4-year).
Fields: All fields of study offered at SUNY and CUNY institutions are eligible, including but not limited to: Liberal Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Professional Studies.
Target Group
New York State residents who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. The scholarship is designed for students from middle-income families (family federal adjusted gross income up to $125,000) who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Amount: The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition costs (after deducting other financial aid such as Pell Grants, NYS TAP, and other scholarships) for up to four years of full-time study (or five years for approved programs).
What it covers: Tuition only. The scholarship does not cover fees, room and board, books, supplies, or other educational expenses.
Duration: Up to 4 years for Bachelor's degree programs (8 consecutive semesters) or up to 2 years for Associate's degree programs (4 consecutive semesters).
Income eligibility: As of 2026, the income threshold remains at a family federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less. (Note: Income thresholds are subject to change; please verify on official website.)
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Covers: Tuition after other aid (Pell Grant, TAP, etc.)
Income limit: Family AGI ≤ $125,000
Duration: Up to 4 years (Bachelor's) or 2 years (Associate's)
Requirement: Full-time enrollment (12+ credits per semester)
Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Residency: Be a resident of New York State and have resided in NY for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the academic term.
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Income: Have a family federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) of $125,000 or less.
- Enrollment: Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) in an undergraduate degree program at a SUNY or CUNY college.
- Degree status: Be pursuing a first undergraduate associate's or bachelor's degree.
- Academic progress: Maintain good academic standing and complete at least 30 credits per year (including summer or winter sessions if needed).
- Residency after graduation: Agree to reside in New York State for the number of years equal to the number of years the scholarship was received (post-graduation residency requirement).
- FAFSA/TAP: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application each year.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- New York State residents for at least 12 months.
- U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
- Family income ≤ $125,000 AGI.
- Enrolled full-time (12+ credits) at SUNY or CUNY.
- Pursuing first undergraduate degree.
- Completed FAFSA and TAP applications.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Non-New York residents or international students.
- Students with family income above $125,000.
- Part-time students (less than 12 credits per semester).
- Students pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
- Graduate or professional degree students.
- Students who do not complete FAFSA/TAP.
Application Procedure
Step-by-step application process for the Excelsior Scholarship:
- Apply for admission – Apply and be accepted to an eligible degree program at a SUNY or CUNY college.
- Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA must be completed each year.
- Complete the NYS TAP application – After completing the FAFSA, complete the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application through the NYS HESC website.
- Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship – Once the FAFSA and TAP are complete, submit the Excelsior Scholarship application through the NYS HESC Excelsior Scholarship portal.
- Sign the contract – If awarded, review and sign the Excelsior Scholarship contract, which includes the post-graduation residency agreement.
- Maintain eligibility – Each year, renew the scholarship by completing the FAFSA, TAP, and Excelsior renewal application. Maintain full-time enrollment and complete at least 30 credits per academic year.
Required documents and information:
- Social Security Number
- Federal tax information (IRS tax return data)
- FAFSA Submission Summary
- TAP award information
- SUNY/CUNY acceptance letter and student ID
Post-graduation requirement: Recipients must reside in New York State for the number of years equal to the number of years they received the scholarship. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the scholarship converting to a loan.
Official Website & Application Links
Official Excelsior Scholarship Application Portal: NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) – Excelsior Scholarship
FAFSA Application: studentaid.gov
SUNY Information: www.suny.edu
CUNY Information: www.cuny.edu
Important Note about the Official News Link: The official New York State Governor's announcement URL (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/...) returned a 403 Forbidden error at the time of publication. This typically occurs when the server blocks automated access. To access the most current official information, please visit the NYS HESC website (hesc.ny.gov) directly or search for "Excelsior Scholarship" on the official New York State website.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Excelsior Scholarship is a transformative program that makes college tuition-free for eligible New York residents attending SUNY and CUNY schools. With a family income threshold of $125,000, it covers a significant portion of New York's middle-class families.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Apply early: Complete the FAFSA and TAP as soon as they become available (typically October for the following academic year).
- Maintain full-time status: You must enroll in at least 12 credits each semester to remain eligible.
- Complete 30 credits per year: This includes summer or winter sessions if needed. Plan your course schedule carefully.
- Understand the residency requirement: You must live and work in New York State after graduation for the same number of years you received the scholarship.
- Renew annually: The scholarship must be renewed each year through the NYS HESC portal.
- Check income thresholds annually: While currently $125,000, income limits may change. Verify each year.
Important reminders: The Excelsior Scholarship is a "last dollar" scholarship, meaning it covers tuition only after other aid (Pell, TAP, etc.) is applied. It does not cover fees, room and board, books, or living expenses. If you receive other external scholarships, the Excelsior award amount may be adjusted. Failure to meet the post-graduation residency requirement may convert the scholarship into a loan that must be repaid.
Excelsior Scholarship 2026-2027 – FAQ
What does the Excelsior Scholarship cover?
The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition costs only after other financial aid (Pell Grant, NYS TAP, and other scholarships) have been applied. It does not cover fees, room and board, books, or other expenses.
What is the income limit for the Excelsior Scholarship?
The family federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) must be $125,000 or less. Income thresholds are subject to change by New York State.
Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
New York State residents (12+ months) who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, with family income ≤ $125,000, enrolled full-time at SUNY or CUNY pursuing a first undergraduate degree.
Is there a post-graduation requirement?
Yes. Recipients must reside in New York State for the number of years equal to the number of years they received the scholarship. For example, a 4-year scholarship recipient must live and work in NY for 4 years after graduation.
How do I apply for the Excelsior Scholarship?
First, complete the FAFSA and NYS TAP application. Then, apply through the NYS HESC Excelsior Scholarship portal. You must complete all three applications each year to maintain eligibility.
Can I use the Excelsior Scholarship for graduate school?
No. The Excelsior Scholarship is only for first-time undergraduate students pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree.
What happens if I drop below full-time status?
You must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) to receive the scholarship. Dropping below full-time may result in loss of the scholarship for that semester and potential repayment.
How many credits must I complete each year?
You must complete at least 30 credits per academic year (including summer or winter sessions if needed) to maintain eligibility.