Excelsior Scholarship: Eligibility For International Students

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 college tuition-free. The scholarship is available to US citizens or eligible non-citizens who are New York residents and have been for at least one year prior to enrollment. International students are not explicitly mentioned in the eligibility criteria, indicating that they may not be able to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. However, it is always best to refer to the official website or contact the relevant authorities for up-to-date and accurate information regarding scholarship eligibility and requirements.

International students must be enrolled full-time

International students must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship. Firstly, they must be enrolled full-time, which typically means registering for a minimum of 12 credits per semester applicable to their degree program. This requirement is crucial for maintaining eligibility for the scholarship.

The Excelsior Scholarship, offered by the State of New York, is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the financial burden of college education and student loan debt. The scholarship enables students from families earning $125,000 or less per year to attend state-operated SUNY (State University of New York) or CUNY (City University of New York) colleges tuition-free. This income threshold is expected to remain in place for the 2025-26 academic year, according to the latest updates.

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, international students must not only maintain full-time enrollment but also make steady academic progress. This typically involves completing 30 credits per year toward their degree, including during the summer and winter terms. Students facing hardships or those with disabilities may be eligible for exceptions, allowing them to take fewer credits.

It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship only covers tuition fees. Students are still responsible for other college expenses, such as fees, room and board, and textbooks. Additionally, the scholarship comes with a residency requirement. Recipients must commit to living and working in New York State for a number of years equal to the duration of the award. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the scholarship converting to a no-interest loan, which must be repaid.

International students interested in the Excelsior Scholarship should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements, which may include submitting transcripts, proof of income, and maintaining good academic standing. By fulfilling these requirements, international students can take advantage of this opportunity to pursue their academic goals at New York's public colleges and universities.

They must complete 30 credits per year

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 college tuition-free. The scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and reside in New York State for one year prior to enrollment. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, students must complete 30 credits per year. This includes 12 credits per term and 30 credits each year applicable toward their degree program.

Students who are currently attending college are eligible to receive the scholarship provided they maintain full-time enrollment and complete 30 credits toward their degree each year prior to applying for the scholarship. Students who do not successfully complete 30 credits per year can lose the scholarship. For students pursuing an associate's degree, the scholarship is available for up to two years, and for those pursuing a bachelor's degree, it is available for up to four years.

Credits earned in high school or during summer or winter terms may be counted toward the 30-credit requirement. Students taking remedial classes are also eligible to apply, but they must complete 30 credits per year in addition to their remedial classes. It is important to note that remedial credits cannot be counted toward full-time enrollment or the 30-credit requirement.

To remain eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must also agree to reside and be employed (if working) in New York State for a number of years equal to the duration of the award. Failure to meet this residency requirement will result in the scholarship converting to a no-interest loan.

They must be a resident of New York State

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must be New York State residents and have resided in the state for 12 continuous months before the start of the term. This residency requirement is a key condition of the scholarship, and it is important to note that it applies not only during the scholarship period but also after graduation. Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship must agree to reside and work exclusively in New York State for a number of years equal to the duration of the award. For example, if a student receives the scholarship for four years, they must commit to living and working in New York State for those four years after completing their degree.

The Excelsior Scholarship is a bold initiative by the State of New York to address the rising cost of college education and student loan debt. It enables 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" scholarship, meaning that it covers the remaining cost of tuition after all other grants and scholarships have been applied.

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must meet certain academic requirements, such as enrolling full-time and completing a minimum of 30 credits per year toward their degree. They must also maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Additionally, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP application or DREAM Act application each year to remain eligible for the scholarship.

It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship only covers tuition fees, and students are still responsible for other college expenses such as fees, room and board, and textbooks. The scholarship also has specific requirements regarding residency and employment after graduation, which must be adhered to, or the award may be converted to a no-interest loan.

The Excelsior Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for eligible students to pursue their undergraduate degrees at New York's public colleges and universities without incurring tuition fees. However, it is essential to carefully review and understand all the requirements and conditions of the scholarship to ensure compliance and avoid any unexpected loan conversions.

They must have a family income of $125,000 or less

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. This scholarship is a "last dollar" scholarship, meaning that it covers the remaining cost of tuition after all other grants and scholarships that can apply toward tuition have been applied.

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less for the 2024-2025 academic year. This requirement ensures that the scholarship is targeted towards those who need it the most and helps make higher education more accessible to students from lower-income families.

The income threshold of $125,000 is set by the State of New York and is reviewed periodically. For the 2025-26 academic year, the eligibility criteria have been updated to include families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2023. This change ensures that more recent financial information is considered when determining eligibility for the scholarship.

To apply for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide copies of their Federal and NYS Income Tax Returns. This allows the scholarship committee to verify the student's family income and determine their eligibility for the award.

It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship has additional requirements beyond the income threshold. Students must also be New York State residents, complete 30 credits per year, and agree to reside and work exclusively in New York State for a number of years equal to the duration of the award. These requirements ensure that students receiving the scholarship are committed to contributing to the state's economy and workforce after graduation.

They must complete the FAFSA and TAP application

To receive the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State (NYS) Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application or the NYS DREAM Act application each year. The Excelsior Scholarship 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.

The FAFSA is a form that students fill out to apply for financial aid from the US government. It collects information about the student's and their family's financial situation, including income, assets, and benefits, to determine their eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed annually to continue receiving financial aid.

The NYS TAP is a grant program that provides financial assistance to help eligible New York State residents pay for college. It is a need-based program, which means that the amount of aid a student receives depends on their financial need. To apply for TAP, students must complete the FAFSA and the TAP application. The TAP application collects additional information specific to New York State financial aid programs.

The NYS DREAM Act application is for undocumented and other immigrant students who are not eligible for federal financial aid. To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, undocumented and immigrant students must first apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act. This allows them to access state financial aid programs, including the Excelsior Scholarship.

It is important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship has specific requirements that applicants must meet and maintain to remain eligible for the scholarship. These requirements include credit completion, residency in New York State, and full-time enrollment. Therefore, applicants should review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying for the Excelsior Scholarship.

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