January 15, 2025 — The Excelsior Scholarship application is now open for students attending college this spring or who missed the fall deadline. Eligible students may qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges.
To be eligible, students must:
- Have a family income of $125,000 or less annually.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months prior to applying.
- Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college full-time.
- Complete at least 30 credits per year in your program of study.
- Agree to live in New York State and not be employed out of state for a duration equal to the number of years the scholarship was received.
If you do not meet the residency criteria, you may still qualify through the NYS DREAM Act. If you previously attended college before Spring 2026, you must have completed at least 30 credits per year applicable toward your degree before applying.
For more information, visit the Excelsior program page or connect with your school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office.