NYS Excelsior Scholarship program offers free SUNY, CUNY tuition: What to know
Applications are now being accepted for the state's Excelsior Scholarship. Credit: Kendall Rodriguez
New York students from families earning $125,000 or less a year can now apply for scholarships to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free in the upcoming academic year or receive funding toward a private college, state officials announced.
Students planning to enroll in or attend a two- or four-year SUNY or CUNY college full time for the 2026-27 academic year can apply to the state initiative known as the Excelsior Scholarship, according to state officials. The scholarship covers any outstanding costs after other grants, including Pell and TAP, are exhausted.
A separate state program, known as the Enhanced Tuition Award, is also accepting applications for up to $6,000 toward tuition costs for students who attend a participating private college in the state.
The deadline for new applicants to apply for both programs is Aug. 31.
Eligible students must be enrolled full time at a SUNY or CUNY college or university and complete at least 30 credits per year.
Students must also be either a United States citizen or an "eligible noncitizen." They must also be a New York State resident for at least 12 months prior to starting classes.
After graduation, students are required to live and work in New York for as many years as the award was received.
“This program helps make higher education more accessible by allowing eligible students to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges tuition-free. It’s about keeping students in New York, supporting their goals, and strengthening our workforce and economy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
More than 25,000 students received $101 million in Excelsior awards distributed during the 2024-25 academic year, according to a news release. This scholarship, in combination with other awards, allowed 72% of CUNY students and 55% of SUNY students to attend college tuition-free, according to the release.
More than 1,500 students also received $1.7 million in tuition awards for private college costs, the release said.
“Programs like the Enhanced Tuition Award are critical investments in New York’s students, workforce, and future,” Lola W. Brabham, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York, said in a statement. "By expanding access to affordable higher education, New York continues to demonstrate that college opportunities should not be limited by a family’s financial circumstances."
The application forms can be found on the state’s Higher Education Services Corporation website.
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
