Excelsior Scholarship 2025 guide: how New York pays SUNY and CUNY tuition

If you live in New York and plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY school, the Excelsior Scholarship can cover your tuition so you pay zero tuition out of pocket once other grants are applied. Below is a simple guide to who qualifies, what it covers, how to apply, and the fine print most people miss. 

Quick snapshot

For New York residents with combined federal adjusted gross income at or below 125,000 dollars. 

Covers tuition at SUNY and CUNY after Pell and TAP are applied. This is a last dollar scholarship. It does not cover fees, housing, meals, books, or transport. 

You must study full time and complete 30 credits each academic year in your program of study. Some students in opportunity programs have a reduced annual credit target. 

You agree to live in New York after graduation for the same number of years you received the award. If you move out early, it converts to a no interest loan. 

Who qualifies

To be eligible you must; 

Be a legal resident of New York for at least 12 continuous months, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. 

Have a combined federal adjusted gross income of 125,000 dollars or less. The state looks at the prior tax year and explains how income is counted for dependent and independent students in its FAQs. 

Be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY campus and stay continuously enrolled. Many campuses note that Excelsior is for your first bachelor’s degree and that breaks in enrollment can end eligibility. 

Enroll full time each term and complete 30 credits per year that count toward your degree. Opportunity program students can meet a 24 credit per year target and have up to five years to finish a bachelor’s degree. 

What the scholarship covers

Excelsior pays remaining tuition after Pell Grants and New York TAP are applied. Tuition is covered at state operated SUNY and CUNY colleges. Fees and living costs are not covered, so you should still budget for those. 

The commitment after you graduate

Recipients must live in New York, and if employed then work in New York, for the same number of years they received the scholarship. Leave the state early and the award becomes a no interest loan that you repay. 

How to apply in 2025

1. Complete the FAFSA and the New York TAP application first. 

2. Submit the Excelsior Scholarship application with HESC. The Fall 2025 application is open now and the deadline is August 31, 2025. 

3. Keep copies of your 2023 New York tax return information handy since campuses list that year for the 2025 to 2026 cycle. 

How to keep your eligibility once you get it

Plan for 15 credits each fall and spring so you reach 30 for the year. You can use winter or summer to catch up if you fall short. Some campuses strongly encourage the 15 credit plan to stay on track. 

Stay continuously enrolled. If you need to pause or drop below the required credit load, the state lists very limited hardship exceptions such as health reasons, active duty, parental leave, or care for an immediate family member. Work with your financial aid office before making any change. 

Common mistakes that cost students money

Assuming fees and housing are covered. They are not. Build a budget for those costs. 

Taking classes that do not count toward your program of study. Only those credits count toward your 30 for the year. 

Ignoring the post graduation stay in New York requirement. This is a contract condition. 

Fast answers

Is Excelsior need based or merit based

It is based on income and enrollment progress, not GPA alone, though you must remain in good academic standing. 

Can transfer students use it

Yes, as long as you meet residency, income, continuous enrollment, and credit accumulation rules for your timeline. Check your campus aid office for how your earned credits apply to the 30 per year rule. 

What if I started college years ago and stopped

Many campuses note that students returning after long gaps may not meet continuous enrollment rules for Excelsior. Ask your aid office to review your record and other New York programs like TAP that may still help. 

Sources you can trust

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Excelsior page with deadlines, rules, and post graduation commitment. 

SUNY overview and deadline reminder for Fall 2025. 

CUNY credit requirement FAQ. 

Campus pages with practical notes on continuous enrollment and first bachelor’s degree. 

Author 

Helen Brownes