Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship is a program in New York State that provides free tuition to eligible students attending a SUNY (State University of New York) or CUNY (City University of New York) college or university. Introduced in 2017, it was the first initiative of its kind in the U.S., aiming to make college more accessible to New York residents.

Here are some key details:

Eligibility Requirements

1. Residency: Must be a resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months before starting college.
2. Income: The family’s adjusted gross income must not exceed a certain threshold (for example, $125,000 in recent years). This limit may be adjusted, so it’s worth checking the latest guidelines.
3. Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 30 credits per academic year) at a SUNY or CUNY institution.
4. Degree Completion: Must complete an associate degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years.
5. Post-Graduation Residency: Must agree to live and work in New York State for the same number of years as the scholarship was received (e.g., four years if the scholarship was received for four years).

Coverage

The scholarship covers only tuition, not fees, books, room, or board. Additionally, students are expected to apply for other forms of financial aid (such as federal Pell Grants or New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)) first. The Excelsior Scholarship then covers the remaining balance of tuition.

Application Process

The application opens yearly, typically during the summer, and is completed online through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.

This scholarship can be highly beneficial, but it has strict requirements for credits and New York residency post-graduation.

The Excelsior Scholarship is part of New York State’s broader effort to make higher education more affordable and encourage students to stay and work within the state after graduation. Here are additional details on various aspects of the scholarship:

1. Income Eligibility and Adjustments

• The income threshold for the Excelsior Scholarship applies to the adjusted gross income of the student’s family, and the threshold may adjust slightly over time.
• If your family’s income is near the threshold, consult with the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to clarify eligibility.

2. Credit Requirements and Exceptions

• Students must complete 30 credits per academic year to maintain eligibility. This requirement includes fall, spring, and sometimes summer classes, allowing students to catch up if they fall short in a semester.
• The credit requirement is based on degree progression, so students must generally be “on track” for graduation in two or four years.
• Some exceptions are made for students with documented disabilities or special circumstances, allowing them to take fewer credits without losing eligibility.

3. Tuition Coverage

• The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition after other forms of financial aid are applied, including Pell Grants, TAP, and other scholarships.
• The scholarship amount is determined after deducting other forms of aid, covering only the balance of tuition. Students are still responsible for other expenses like fees, books, transportation, housing, and meals.

4. Post-Graduation Residency Requirement

• After graduation, recipients must live and work in New York State for the same number of years they received the scholarship. This commitment supports the goal of retaining skilled graduates within New York.
• If a student fails to fulfill this requirement, the scholarship converts to a loan that must be repaid.

5. Application Timeline and Renewal

• The application for the Excelsior Scholarship typically opens in late spring or early summer. Deadlines vary each year, so checking the HESC website for current dates is essential.
• Applicants must renew their application annually and continue to meet eligibility requirements, including income limits and credit completion, to receive funding each year.

6. Challenges and Considerations

• Students should plan their academic schedules carefully to meet the credit requirements, as falling behind could result in the loss of the scholarship.
• Summer classes can help students meet the credit requirement if they fall short during the academic year, but the cost of summer classes isn’t always covered by the scholarship.
• Students who transfer within SUNY or CUNY schools may remain eligible, but they should consult an advisor to ensure all credits transfer and that they stay on track for timely graduation.

The Excelsior Scholarship is a unique opportunity for many students but requires a serious commitment to academic performance and residency in New York after graduation. For full details and up-to-date information, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) Excelsior Scholarship page.