Scholarship Opportunity

New York Excelsior Scholarship

Offered by New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

Last-dollar SUNY/CUNY undergraduate tuition scholarship for qualifying households, with post-award New York residence and work conditions.

EssayNot required

RenewableYes

Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Student

Eligibility

Attend a SUNY or CUNY undergraduate program and meet the $125,000 household adjusted gross income limit.
Enroll full-time and generally complete at least 30 degree-applicable credits each year. Standard full-time enrollment is at least 12 degree-applicable credits each term.
Agree to reside in New York after graduation for as many years as you received the scholarship and, if employed, work in New York.
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen with 12 continuous months of NYS residency, or qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.
Remain out of default on federal/state student loans and comply with repayment and service terms of earlier NYS awards.
Have a qualifying U.S. high-school diploma, equivalency diploma or approved ability-to-benefit test; eligible online high-school credentials require HESC-approved accreditation.
Maintain continuous enrollment and good academic standing; approved interruption, opportunity-program and disability accommodations may apply.

Complete the program application when HESC opens a future cycle.
Complete FAFSA and TAP or DREAM Act application annually and sign the scholarship contract if selected.
Review permitted interruption and disability accommodations with the college before reducing credits or pausing enrollment; opportunity programs may use a 24-credit annual pace.
Prior college attendance must satisfy the required annual degree-credit pace. Registered ADA students must successfully earn their attempted credits.

1Review HESC's next application announcement; the 2026–27 application is closed.
2Check credit pace and post-graduation residency conditions before applying.