New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — Excelsior Scholarship
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.
About New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship is New York State undergraduate tuition aid at participating SUNY and CUNY institutions, administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). The phrase “free college” is incomplete: the program covers eligible tuition left after other tuition aid. Housing, food, transportation, books, and every campus charge do not automatically become scholarship costs.
HESC marks the 2026–27 cycle closed; the deadline for new applicants was August 31, 2026. As of October 12, the agency had not posted a 2027–28 date on the program page. The FAQ describes customary application months, but it does not replace an official notice. Students planning to start in 2027 can prepare records and monitor HESC for the exact opening and deadline.
Published requirements include combined household income of no more than $125,000, legal New York residency for 12 continuous months before the term, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, with a DREAM Act route where applicable. Students must pursue an undergraduate degree at an eligible institution and remain continuously enrolled. HESC and the college verify documents; a personal estimate is not an award decision.
The academic pace is demanding: generally at least 12 credits that apply to the degree each term and 30 earned credits per year. A failed course or one that does not count toward the program may not help meet the threshold. HESC allows limited interruption reviews for health, military service, bereavement, childbirth, or family care; students request review through the college and must follow its notice deadline.
Excelsior is a last-dollar tuition award: Pell, TAP, and other eligible tuition aid are applied first; the scholarship covers remaining recognized tuition, if any. An individual package may therefore be smaller than expected. Recipients also agree to live in New York for as many years as they received the award and to work in the state if employed. Moving away early may convert part or all of the award into a no-interest loan.
For the next cycle, complete FAFSA and TAP—or DREAM Act where applicable—confirm that the campus and major participate, and keep transcripts and transfer-credit records. If the page says the term is closed, ask about other aid and use only official application links. <a data-profile="ny-excelsior">The Excelsior listing explains coverage</a>, while <a data-profile="ny-hesc">HESC handles questions about a student file</a>; ask your college in writing for the tuition balance and effect of any pause or program change.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: HESC lists phone support at 1-888-697-4372, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding holidays. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State college tuition scholarship administered by HESC