A New York City high-school graduate may find either a multi-year community scholarship or a state opportunity program with financial and academic support, but the two are not interchangeable. Scholarship Plus serves seniors at schools in the five boroughs and opens its 2026–27 application on October 29. CUNY SEEK is requested through admission to a four-year CUNY college and has both income and academic criteria. The Scholarship Plus profile explains its maximum award and support; the SEEK profile details residency, income ceilings, and benefits that depend on funding.
Scholarship Plus lists awards up to $8,000 per year, renewable for as many as four years with satisfactory academic progress. Applicants must be seniors at a public, parochial, or private school in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island; have a GPA of at least 84.5%; family income below $55,000; and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. First-generation students receive preference, while siblings of current or former scholars are ineligible. Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, fees, and other eligible educational expenses, but an individual award may be below the maximum.
The Scholarship Plus deadline is January 19, 2027, with decisions expected in the second week of April. Prepare two recommendations and two essays, complete FAFSA, and leave time to review the application. Scholars are expected to join events and semester check-ins; the program also offers mentoring, advising, and paid summer internships. Living in NYC alone does not qualify an applicant, so verify every requirement before starting.
SEEK, by contrast, is offered at 12 four-year CUNY colleges. The City College route requires at least one year of New York State residency, a diploma or equivalency, first-time status or a qualifying transfer from certain opportunity programs, academic criteria related to regular admission, and income within state limits. For 2026–27, City College lists ceilings of $59,478 for a four-person household and $100,178 for eight, with an increase for each additional member. The campus reviews tax and household records; a chart alone does not guarantee a place.
SEEK may provide tutoring, counseling, possible CUNY fee assistance, and educational stipends when funds are available. It does not mean every housing or living expense is covered. Applicants must select SEEK on the regular CUNY application and complete the campus verification and intake process. Students without federal eligible immigration status can explore the NYS DREAM Act for state aid; admission and SEEK requirements remain separate decisions. Before accepting, ask the campus for a written estimate of remaining charges and coordinate FAFSA, TAP, or DREAM Act applications as appropriate.
Apply to Scholarship Plus — Scholarship Plus / Fund for the City of New York.
CUNY SEEK Program — The City College of New York.
College Discovery & SEEK — The City University of New York.
Guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Criteria, funding, and dates may change by cohort; confirm the application cycle and eligibility directly with each program before submitting documents.
If you qualify for both, apply separately and compare in writing which expenses each offer covers and what renewal conditions it imposes.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Scholarship Plus — Fund for the City of New York
121 6th Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Up to $8,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with satisfactory academic progress. For the 2027 cohort: a senior at a public, parochial, or private high school in one of the five boroughs; GPA of at least 84.5%; family income below $55,000; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; two recommendations, two essays, and participation in program events and check-ins. First-generation students receive preference; siblings of current or former participants are ineligible.
Four-year scholarship and college support for New York City high-school seniors
CUNY SEEK Program — The City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
SEEK is a New York State program offered at 12 four-year CUNY colleges, with academic and financial criteria, one year of state residency, and first-time status or transfer from CD/EOP/HEOP/SEEK. At City College it may include tutoring, counseling, possible CUNY-fee assistance, and an educational stipend subject to available funds; it is not an automatic scholarship and does not guarantee all expenses.
State college-opportunity program with advising, tutoring, and financial support at four-year CUNY colleges
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
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Scholarship Plus / Fund for the City of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
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Official website ↗
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The City College of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
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Official website ↗
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The City University of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
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Official application and program information ↗
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Scholarship Plus / Fund for the City of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
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Official website of Scholarship Plus — Fund for the City of New York ↗
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Scholarship Plus / Fund for the City of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of CUNY SEEK Program — The City College of New York ↗
Primary source
The City College of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of CUNY SEEK Program — The City College of New York ↗
Primary source
The City University of New York · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of CUNY SEEK Program — The City College of New York ↗
Primary source
CUNY School of Professional Studies · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.