Excelsior is not an automatic payment of a student’s entire SUNY or CUNY bill. It is a last-dollar award covering remaining tuition after Pell, TAP, and other federal or state grants and scholarships; it does not by itself cover housing, meals, transportation, or every charge. It serves full-time undergraduates in households with combined federal adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 who meet New York’s 12-month residency rule.
The academic pathway requires at least 12 applicable credits per term and 30 program credits each year, without breaks except for approved circumstances such as military duty, the death of an immediate family member, or parental leave after childbirth. It may cover two years for an associate degree, four for a bachelor’s, and five for certain approved programs. Students reapply annually after FAFSA and TAP; those unable to file FAFSA should review the NYS DREAM Act route.
For academic year 2026–27, HESC set August 31, 2026 as the deadline for new applications; that date has passed as of this review. Recipients must agree to live and work in New York for the same number of years they received the scholarship; failure to meet the condition can turn aid into a repayment obligation. Students who missed the cycle may ask HESC whether a spring window will be offered, but should not assume eligibility or enroll counting on an award that has not been granted.
Before accepting, compare the final balance with tuition, fees, and other aid; confirm the rules with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Excelsior Scholarship: programa, requisitos y solicitud — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Preguntas frecuentes de Excelsior — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Convocatoria 2026–27 para nuevos solicitantes — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Programs, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: confirm your file, covered costs, and any service obligation with the agency and college.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Excelsior Scholarship
Excelsior is not an automatic payment of a student’s entire SUNY or CUNY bill. It is a last-dollar award covering remaining tuition after Pell, TAP, and other federal or state grants and scholarships; it does not by itself cover housing, meals, transportation, or every charge. It serves full-time undergraduates in households with combined federal adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 who meet New York’s 12-month residency rule. The academic pathway requires at least 12 appl
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Excelsior Scholarship ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Excelsior Scholarship ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.