Excelsior Scholarship 2025 who qualifies what it covers and how to apply


If you live in New York and plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college, the Excelsior Scholarship can cover your remaining tuition after other grants are applied. It is a last dollar award, which means Pell and TAP go first, then Excelsior fills the rest of tuition. It does not cover fees, housing, meals, books, or transport. 

Apply now

Fall 2025 to 2026 application deadline: August 31, 2025. You should complete the FAFSA and the TAP application before you submit Excelsior. 


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Apply by August 31, 2025
The Excelsior Scholarship application for Fall 2025 to 2026 is open. Submit FAFSA and TAP first, then complete your Excelsior application with HESC. 

Who qualifies

New York residents with combined federal adjusted gross income of 125,000 dollars or less. 

U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens who have lived in New York for at least 12 continuous months. 

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY campus. 

Full time enrollment each term and at least 30 credits each academic year in your program of study. 


> Students in opportunity programs can meet a reduced annual credit target of 24 and have up to five years for a bachelor’s degree. 


What it covers

Excelsior pays the remaining tuition after Pell and TAP are applied at state operated SUNY and CUNY colleges. Fees and living costs are not covered, so plan for those separately. 

How to apply

1. File the FAFSA. 

2. Complete the New York TAP application. 

3. Submit the Excelsior Scholarship application with HESC before August 31, 2025. 

How to keep your award

Aim for 15 credits in fall and 15 in spring to reach 30 for the year. You can use winter or summer to catch up. 

Stay continuously enrolled. The state lists limited reasons that allow a pause or a reduced load, such as medical needs, parental leave, active duty, or caring for an immediate family member. Work with your aid office before any change. 

After graduation

You agree to live in New York, and if employed then work in New York, for the same number of years you received the scholarship. If you leave early, your award converts to a no interest loan. 

Fast answers

Is GPA the main factor
No. Eligibility is about New York residency, income, full time status, credit completion, and good academic standing. 

Can transfer students use it
Yes, if you meet residency, income, continuous enrollment, and credit progress rules for your timeline. Check how your credits apply to the 30 per year rule at your campus. 

Does Excelsior cover community colleges
Yes. It applies to SUNY and CUNY colleges, including community colleges. 

Sources

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Excelsior Scholarship program page with eligibility, credit rules, hardship exceptions, post graduation commitment, and current deadline. 

CUNY Excelsior Scholarship FAQs, credit requirements and what counts toward your program of study. 

Helen Brownes 

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