Excelsior Scholarship Requirements

Excelsior Scholarship Requirements

The Excelsior Scholarship is a revolutionary program that aims to make college education more accessible to New York residents. Established by the New York State government, this scholarship covers tuition fees for eligible students at SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) institutions. This initiative has been a game-changer for many students, but it's crucial to understand the Excelsior Scholarship requirements to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must be a resident of New York State for at least one year before the start of the term.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
• Income: Your family's adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $125,000 or less.
• Enrollment: You must be enrolled in a SUNY or CUNY institution at least part-time (6 credits or more).
• Academic Program: You must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university.
• Credits: You must have completed at least 30 credits each year (including summer and January terms) applicable towards your degree program.
• GPA: You must maintain a minimum GPA as required by your institution.

Application Process

The application process for the Excelsior Scholarship is relatively straightforward:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. These applications will determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
• Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship via the HESC (New York State Higher Education Services Corporation) website. The application period typically opens in early March and closes in late July, but it's essential to check the official HESC website for the most up-to-date information

Renewal Process

The Excelsior Scholarship is renewable for up to four years (or five years for students enrolled in a five-year undergraduate program), provided you continue to meet all eligibility requirements. To renew the scholarship, you must:

• Complete at least 30 credits per year applicable towards your degree program.
• Maintain the required GPA.
• File the FAFSA and TAP applications each year.
• Submit the Excelsior Scholarship renewal application via the HESC website.

1. Additional Information

• The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition fees only. Other costs, such as room and board, books, and transportation, are not included.
• The scholarship is a 'last-dollar' scholarship, meaning it will cover the remaining tuition costs after other forms of financial aid have been applied.
• If you receive the Excelsior Scholarship, you must live and work in New York State for the same number of years you received the scholarship. If you do not fulfill this requirement, the scholarship will be converted into a loan.

The Excelsior Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for New York residents to receive a college education without the burden of tuition fees. However, it's essential to understand and meet all the Excelsior Scholarship requirements to take full advantage of this opportunity. Make sure to complete all the necessary applications, maintain the required GPA, and stay informed about any changes or updates to the program.

HESC website