Excelsior Scholarship: Eligibility For International Students

are international students eligible for excelsior

International students are eligible to apply to Excelsior University, but they must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. Students can do this by submitting test scores or providing proof of US citizenship. International credits for admission into non-nursing undergraduate programs must be evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE), while international students applying to a graduate program should have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Additionally, international students may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which is a last dollar scholarship that covers any remaining tuition expenses after other financial aid has been applied. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet certain income, credit, and residency requirements.

Characteristics Values
International students' eligibility International students are eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship if they are enrolled in a non-nursing program and can demonstrate English proficiency.
Scholarship coverage The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition fees for eligible students attending New York State's public colleges and universities (SUNY and CUNY).
Requirements Students must complete 30 credits per year and meet specific income requirements (household income of $125,000 or less) to maintain eligibility.
Residency requirements Recipients must reside and work in New York State for the same number of years they received the scholarship.
Application process Applicants must complete the FAFSA, NYS TAP, or DREAM Act applications annually to receive award payments.

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International students must prove English proficiency

International students applying to Excelsior University must prove their English proficiency. This can be done by submitting test scores directly to the university's Office of the Registrar. Students must provide the university's name and full address at the time of taking the test. These scores are only valid for two years from the date of the application.

There are exemptions for students who can provide proof of US citizenship or a valid US passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization. These documents must be submitted to [email protected].

International students applying to Excelsior University's graduate programs should have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to determine bachelor's degree equivalence for three-year degrees and other foreign credentials. The address for WES is:

World Education Services

Attention: Documentation Center

Bowling Green Station

P.O. Box 5087

New York, NY 10274-5087

International students applying to Excelsior University's non-nursing undergraduate programs must have their transcripts evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) and documented on their Subject Analysis Report. The address for ECE is:

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 200

Milwaukee, WI 53212-3963

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International credits must be evaluated

International students applying to Excelsior University must provide proof of English language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through test scores, which must be sent directly to the university. Students must also provide Excelsior University's full address when taking the test. Scores submitted have a validity period of two years, and those older than two years at the time of application will not be accepted. Exemptions exist for students who can provide proof of US citizenship, a valid US passport, a birth certificate, or a certificate of naturalization.

International credits for admission into all non-nursing undergraduate programs must be evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) and documented on their Subject Analysis Report. The student's transcripts should be sent to Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. 101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3963. International students applying to a graduate program at Excelsior University should have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to determine bachelor's degree equivalence of three-year degrees and other foreign credentials.

Excelsior University awards credit for degree-level coursework completed at a university that has been officially recognized as degree- or diploma-granting by the regulating agency for higher education in the student's home country. The university provides a list of institutions that do not need to be evaluated by their international credential evaluators. Students can submit a transcript from any of the listed institutions, which are either institutionally accredited or approved by the relevant authorities.

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International students are eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship

  • Be a U.S. citizen, qualified paroled refugee, permanent resident alien, or eligible non-citizen: International students with valid visas and residency permits may qualify as eligible non-citizens.
  • Reside in New York State: Students must have resided in New York State for 12 continuous months prior to the term for which the award is being sought.
  • Meet income requirements: The student's household combined federal adjusted gross income must be $125,000 or less.
  • Enroll full-time: Students must be enrolled full-time, typically completing at least 12 credits per semester and 30 credits per year.
  • Maintain good academic standing: Students must meet campus academic requirements for passing and earning credits toward their degree.
  • Comply with previous award requirements: Students must be in good standing with any previous NYS or federal education loans and comply with the terms of any previously received NYS awards.
  • Sign a residency contract: Students must agree to reside and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years they received the scholarship.

It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship only covers tuition fees, and students are responsible for other costs such as college fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses. Additionally, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Student Aid Payment Application annually to continue receiving the scholarship.

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The scholarship only covers tuition fees

The Excelsior Scholarship is a "last-dollar" scholarship that covers tuition expenses only. This means that the scholarship will only be applied to cover the remaining tuition fees after all other financial aid, grants, and scholarships have been accounted for. This includes federal or NYS grants or scholarships, such as TAP, Pell, the City Council Scholarship, and other college scholarships.

Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship are still responsible for covering other college fees and costs, such as room and board, textbooks, and other related expenses. It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, including residency and income conditions. To maintain eligibility, students must also complete a minimum of 30 credits per year and meet campus academic requirements.

The Excelsior Scholarship is available to students attending New York State's public colleges and universities, specifically SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) institutions. This scholarship enables students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend these colleges tuition-free.

It is important for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements to ensure they meet the necessary conditions to receive and maintain the Excelsior Scholarship.

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Students must complete 30 credits per year

The Excelsior Scholarship is a "last-dollar" scholarship that covers tuition fees for students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend a state-operated college in New York State (NYS). To maintain eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must complete 30 credits per year. This requirement applies to students enrolled in undergraduate programs, typically taking five years or less to complete, such as an associate degree (two years) or bachelor's degree (four years).

The 30 credits must be completed over a 365-day period, including the summer and winter terms. Students taking remedial classes are also expected to meet this credit requirement. College credits earned while in high school, as well as AP classes, may be counted toward the 30-credit requirement. It is important to note that students must be continuously enrolled without any pauses in enrollment to maintain scholarship eligibility.

If a student fails to complete the required 30 credits within the specified timeframe, the Excelsior Scholarship will cover their first term. However, they will be responsible for the tuition liability for the second term. Additionally, they will no longer be eligible for future award payments as they will not be on track to complete their degree on time.

To regain eligibility, first-time applicants who were initially deemed ineligible due to insufficient credits can reapply for the scholarship once they meet the 30-credit requirement. However, this option is not available to students who were previously awarded the scholarship but lost eligibility due to insufficient credits.

Frequently asked questions

International students are not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship. This scholarship is for US citizens or eligible noncitizens who reside in New York State. International students applying to Excelsior University are also required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

- Be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen.

- Reside in New York State for one year prior to enrollment and for the length of the award received.

- Have a household federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less.

- Be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete 30 credits per year.

- Attend a SUNY or CUNY college.

If you fail to complete 30 credits over a 365-day period, the Excelsior Scholarship will cover your first term, but you will be responsible for the tuition for your second term. You will also become ineligible for the scholarship in the future as you will no longer be on track to complete your degree on time.

Yes, there are exceptions for students with disabilities. They are not required to register full-time and can still be eligible for the scholarship.

No, the Excelsior Scholarship cannot be used to pursue a second undergraduate degree.

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