Scholarship

Excelsior Scholarship

Covers tuition at New York public colleges for eligible families.

Detail	Information
Award	Tuition at SUNY or CUNY
Provider	New York State Higher Education Services
Typical deadline	FAFSA and NYS application by summer
Eligible grade levels	grade 12
Category	state, need-based

Who qualifies

New York families making up to $125,000 per year attending SUNY/CUNY.

How to apply

1. Open the official New York State Higher Education Services application page and confirm this cycle's deadline and award amount — both change yearly.
2. Collect what almost every application asks for: transcript, a counselor or teacher recommendation, and your FAFSA or household income details if the award is need-based.
3. Draft the essay well ahead of the deadline and have one adult read it.
4. Submit several days early. Portals get overloaded on deadline day.

Official application page →

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Excelsior Scholarship worth?

The Excelsior Scholarship awards Tuition at SUNY or CUNY. Amounts are set by New York State Higher Education Services and change from cycle to cycle, so confirm the current figure on the provider's official page before applying.

When is the Excelsior Scholarship deadline?

The typical deadline is FAFSA and NYS application by summer. Deadlines move every year; set your own reminder at least three weeks earlier so you have time for essays and recommendation letters.

Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?

New York families making up to $125,000 per year attending SUNY/CUNY.

Amounts, deadlines and eligibility are typical values that change every cycle. Always verify on the provider’s official page before applying.

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