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Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship—the nation’s first accessible college program. The Excelsior Scholarship application is now available at the New York State Higher Education Service Corporation website. Eligible applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State TAP application before completing the Excelsior Scholarship application.

The Excelsior Scholarship is targeted toward New York State’s middle-class families and individuals who make up to $125,000 or less per year.  Individuals who qualify will be able to attend all CUNY and SUNY two-year and four-year colleges in New York State, tuition-free, beginning in the 2023 – 2024 academic year (subject to terms and conditions).

Watch Excelsior Scholarship video here
Watch Excelsior Scholarship video here

In order to apply, students must meet eligibility requirements, including:

  • Be residents of New York State
  • Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college
  • Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study
  • Be on track to graduate on time with an Associate’s Degree in two years or a Bachelor’s Degree in four years

To complete the application, you will need:

  • 2021 IT-201 NYS Income Tax Return(s) for you and your parent(s) or your spouse, as applicable

The Excelsior Scholarship for eligible students will only be applied to tuition if the TAP award, Federal Pell and other financial aid are applied and will not meet tuition cost (Pursuant to the amended NYS Education Law, enacting the Excelsior Scholarship).

The Excelsior Scholarship application for the Spring 2023 term is now available. This application is for current students and those beginning college in spring 2023. Current Excelsior Scholarship recipients should not complete the Excelsior application. However, to receive additional payments after initial application, all Excelsior Scholarship recipient must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP Application each year. The application deadline is February 2, 2025.

Please contact or email the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@mec.cuny.edu if you have any questions or visit the following link Excelsior Scholarship for additional eligibility requirements. Also, visit CUNY’s website on Excelsior Scholarship.

For more information, please visit the Excelsior Scholarship FAQs website.