
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State initiative that enables students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend a state-operated college tuition-free. The scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens, have resided in New York State for at least a year prior to enrollment, and complete 30 credits per year. International students are not mentioned in the eligibility criteria, so it is unclear whether they can apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. However, undocumented students are advised to apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act before submitting their application, which may suggest that the scholarship is open to non-US citizens residing in New York State.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship type | “Last dollar” scholarship |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens |
| Income requirement | Household combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less |
| Enrollment | Full-time (12 credits per term) |
| Credit requirement | Complete 30 credits per year |
| Application process | Submit FAFSA, TAP, and Excelsior Scholarship applications |
| Renewal | Requires annual application for payment |
| Tuition coverage | Covers remaining tuition expenses after other aid |
| Residency requirement | Live and work in New York State for the duration of the scholarship |
| Conversion | Converts to a zero-interest loan if residency requirement is not met |
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What You'll Learn

International students must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State initiative that allows students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The scholarship is a "last dollar" award, meaning that any federal or NYS grants or scholarships, including PELL and TAP, are applied to tuition first, and the Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining tuition expenses.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be undergraduate students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens and reside in New York State for one year prior to enrollment. Additionally, their family's adjusted gross income must not exceed $125,000, and they must complete thirty credits per year toward their degree. Students must also be enrolled full-time, which typically means completing at least 12 credits per term.
It's important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship only applies to tuition fees and does not cover other costs such as college fees, room and board, or textbooks. Students receiving the scholarship must also agree to reside and work exclusively in New York State for a number of years equal to the duration of the award. Failure to meet this residency requirement will convert the scholarship into a no-interest loan that must be repaid.
International students who are not US citizens or eligible non-citizens cannot apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. However, undocumented and other immigrant students can apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act before submitting their application for the scholarship. By meeting the necessary criteria, such as income limits and credit requirements, international students with the appropriate citizenship status can take advantage of the Excelsior Scholarship to pursue their educational goals at a reduced financial cost.
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Applicants must have a family income of $125,000 or less
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State initiative that allows students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. This scholarship is a “last-dollar” award, meaning that any federal or NYS grants or scholarships, including PELL and TAP, are applied to tuition first, and the Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining tuition expenses.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term in their program of study and complete 30 credits per year to maintain eligibility. This requirement may vary for students in opportunity programs or those facing hardship. Additionally, students must be in good academic standing and maintain continuous enrollment without any pauses.
The Excelsior Scholarship also has specific income requirements. Applicants must have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less for the applicable tax year. This requirement ensures that the scholarship benefits those from lower-income families.
To apply for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Student Aid Payment Application or DREAM Act application annually. They must also reside in New York State for at least one year prior to enrollment and agree to live and work in the state for a duration equal to the number of years they received the scholarship.
The Excelsior Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for students from lower-income families to access tuition-free education at SUNY or CUNY colleges in New York State. By covering remaining tuition expenses after other financial aid, the scholarship helps make higher education more affordable and accessible.
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Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term
The Excelsior Scholarship is a form of financial aid offered by the State of New York to address the cost of college education and student loan debt. It is a "last-dollar" scholarship, meaning that if a student is eligible for other financial aid, such as federal grants or scholarships, those amounts will be applied to tuition first, and the Excelsior Scholarship will cover the remaining tuition expenses.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term in their program of study and complete 30 credits per year. This requirement applies to students enrolled in a SUNY or CUNY college, pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree. If a student is unable to complete the required 30 credits per year, they may lose the scholarship. However, students facing hardship are allowed to take fewer credits.
For students who attended college prior to the 2024-25 academic year, they must have earned at least 30 credits each year, applicable to their degree program, before applying for the Excelsior Scholarship. Additionally, to maintain eligibility, students must be continuously enrolled without any pauses in enrollment.
The Excelsior Scholarship also requires students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Student Aid Payment Application or DREAM Act application annually to receive award payments. Furthermore, recipients of the scholarship must agree to reside and work exclusively in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years they received the scholarship.
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The scholarship is only applicable to tuition fees
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State initiative that enables students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It is a "last-dollar" scholarship, meaning that any federal or NYS grants or scholarships, including PELL and TAP, are applied to tuition first, and the Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining tuition expenses. This scholarship does not cover other college expenses, such as fees, room and board, textbooks, and more, and students are responsible for these additional costs.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term in their program of study and complete 30 credits per year. The scholarship is awarded for up to 2 years for students pursuing an Associate's degree and up to 4 years for students pursuing a Bachelor's degree. Students must also be residents of New York State and have resided in the state for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term. They must also be in good standing on any federal or NYS education loans or awards.
Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship must apply for payment annually and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Student Aid Payment Application every year to continue receiving award payments. Failure to complete 30 credits over a 365-day period will result in the loss of the scholarship for the subsequent term, as students must be on track to complete their degree on time to maintain eligibility.
It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship is a "last-dollar" award, meaning that any other financial aid received by the student will be applied to tuition first, and the Excelsior Scholarship will cover any remaining tuition expenses. This scholarship is specifically designed to cover tuition costs, and other awards or grants intended to cover non-tuition expenses will not be included in the calculation for covering tuition fees.
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Recipients must agree to reside in New York State
The Excelsior Scholarship is a "'last-dollar' scholarship" that allows students to attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It is designed to enable students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to pursue a college education. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete 30 credits per year.
Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship must agree to reside in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years they received the scholarship. This means that if a recipient receives the award for four years, they are required to live and work in New York State for those four years. The residency requirement is crucial, as failing to meet it will result in the scholarship converting into a no-interest loan that the recipient must repay.
The Excelsior Scholarship is not just limited to tuition fees. It also covers other costs of college, such as fees, room and board, and textbooks. However, it is essential to note that the scholarship only applies to students attending New York State's public colleges and universities (SUNY and CUNY). Recipients must also agree to be employed in New York State during their residency period. This ensures that the scholarship supports the local economy and contributes to the state's growth.
The scholarship's requirement to reside in New York State exclusively for a continuous number of years is a significant commitment for recipients. It ensures that the benefits of the scholarship are reinvested in the state, fostering a talented and educated workforce. This requirement also encourages recipients to establish roots in New York, potentially contributing to the state's long-term economic and social development.
While the residency requirement may seem restrictive, it demonstrates the state's commitment to investing in its future leaders and professionals. By providing this opportunity, New York ensures that students can pursue their educational goals without the burden of tuition fees and fosters a sense of loyalty and connection to the state. It is a mutually beneficial agreement that empowers students to pursue their academic aspirations while contributing to New York's thriving community.
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Frequently asked questions
Only US citizens or eligible non-citizens who have resided in New York State for one year prior to enrollment can apply for the Excelsior Scholarship.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term in their program of study and complete 30 credits per year. They must also have a combined family income of $125,000 or less per year.
If you don't complete 30 credits in a year, you will lose the Excelsior Scholarship and may not be able to reinstate it.


































