The scholarship is available to graduates of the Syracuse City School District or an eligible charter high school who meet the residency and school-enrollment rules. The tuition award is last-dollar aid: it is calculated after federal grants, New York State TAP, and institution-specific tuition aid. For SUNY/CUNY, the FAQ says Say Yes does not use household income to calculate the award; private colleges apply their own income limits and exceptions.
The organization lists more than 100 partner institutions and tuition coverage, but the actual award depends on the college and aid applied first. To renew, the page requires FAFSA and TAP each year, full-time enrollment, and academic progress: 12 credits per semester or full-time status and at least a 2.0 GPA across the review periods. Published limits are four semesters at a community college and eight at a four-year institution.
The organization says school-based eligibility may make a student eligible for the scholarship, but the student still must apply for and qualify for financial aid, create a Say Yes account, submit the Say Yes application, and be admitted to a partner institution. For a New York college, file both FAFSA and TAP; confirm which additional forms the campus requires and when it must receive them.
Awards may differ between SUNY/CUNY and private colleges; do not assume a tuition scholarship also pays for housing, meals, or books. If academic eligibility is lost for two consecutive semesters, the FAQ describes a scholarship interruption and a reinstatement route. Document extraordinary circumstances and contact the program before withdrawing or reducing credits.
Read the program profile and the official FAFSA application guide; ask the college to confirm your individual package.
To compare this award with another college offer, ask for an itemized estimate: covered tuition and fees, other grants applied first, and the balance you would still owe. Keep confirmation of every form, and when the program requires it, submit the FAFSA or CADAA for the correct academic year. An advertised maximum or the phrase “free tuition” does not automatically include books, housing, transportation, or terms the program excludes.
Say Yes Syracuse Scholarship FAQs — Say Yes Syracuse.
Say Yes Syracuse — How to Apply — Say Yes Syracuse.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Local programs change cohorts, funding, eligibility, and calendars; a closed cycle is not an open application. Confirm your situation and the current application with the program and the college financial-aid office.
The program and college financial-aid office confirm eligibility, covered balance, and dates; a published maximum does not guarantee an award.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Say Yes Syracuse
The scholarship is available to graduates of the Syracuse City School District or an eligible charter high school who meet the residency and school-enrollment rules. The tuition award is last-dollar aid: it is calculated after federal grants, New York State TAP, and institution-specific tuition aid. For SUNY/CUNY, the FAQ says Say Yes does not use household income to calculate the award; private colleges apply their own income limits and exceptions. The organization lists mor
Local college-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
Say Yes Syracuse · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Syracuse · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Syracuse · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Say Yes Syracuse ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Syracuse · 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.