The Excelsior Scholarship can reduce undergraduate tuition at participating SUNY and CUNY institutions, but it does not automatically pay a student’s entire college budget. HESC applies other tuition aid first and Excelsior covers remaining eligible tuition, if any. Housing, meals, transportation, books, and charges outside the recognized tuition amount are not part of that tuition promise.
As of October 12, 2026, HESC marks the 2026–27 application closed and lists August 31, 2026, as the deadline for new applicants. The page had not yet posted a 2027–28 deadline. Its FAQ gives customary opening and closing months, but that pattern does not confirm that a form is available or extend a past cycle. Check the academic year next to every date.
Published eligibility combines household federal adjusted gross income of no more than $125,000, legal New York residency for 12 continuous months before the term, and undergraduate study at an eligible SUNY or CUNY school. HESC requires U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status; students qualifying under the DREAM Act must follow that application route. Living in the state or receiving an admission offer alone does not guarantee an award.
The academic pace is a central test: generally 12 applicable credits per term and 30 earned credits per year, with continuous enrollment. Courses must count toward the degree plan. HESC allows interruption reviews for specific circumstances such as medical conditions, military service, bereavement, family care, or childbirth; students must request review through their college by the date in the notice.
The last-dollar award is calculated after Pell, TAP, and other aid that can be applied to tuition. Two students at the same college can therefore receive different amounts, and fees or living costs may remain even when net tuition is zero. Ask the aid office for a line-by-line tuition calculation instead of comparing Excelsior with the full cost of attendance.
Recipients also sign a post-award commitment: live in New York for as many years as the award was received and work in the state if employed. Moving away before completing that period may convert some or all of the award into a no-interest loan. The program profile summarizes its rules; HESC handles questions about student files. Weigh the commitment against relocation, employment, and graduate-school plans before accepting.
For the next cycle, prepare FAFSA and TAP—or DREAM Act where applicable—transcripts, and transfer-credit records, and confirm that the campus and major participate. When HESC posts 2027–28, check the new date and requirements before submitting. If 2026–27 has closed, ask the college about other scholarships, payment plans, and summer options rather than assuming the prior application is still open.
Excelsior Scholarship Program — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Excelsior Scholarship FAQs — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
HESC Contact — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Deadlines refer to the named award year, and aid depends on eligibility, school certification, and funding. Confirm current requirements with the agency and college before making decisions.
First calculate net tuition and understand the credit pace and residency commitment before relying on Excelsior.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — Excelsior Scholarship
99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255
Excelsior covers eligible undergraduate tuition remaining at SUNY/CUNY after other applicable aid. The 2026–27 application closed August 31, 2026; HESC had not posted a 2027–28 deadline when this guide was checked.
State college tuition scholarship administered by HESC
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255
HESC administers Excelsior, TAP, and other state programs, publishes requirements and dates, and maintains application portals. The college certifies enrollment and credits and can explain how aid appears on a student account.
State higher-education financial aid agency
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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — Excelsior Scholarship ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — Excelsior Scholarship ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 12, 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 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) ↗
Primary source
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.