Students beginning college in the Spring 2025 term from families with annual incomes of $125,000 or less may qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges through the Excelsior Scholarship.
To qualify, students must meet the following residency requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months prior to applying.
Students who do not meet the residency criteria may still qualify through the NYS DREAM Act application.
While in college, students must:
- Work toward an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University.
- Be enrolled full-time, taking at least 12 credits per term, and complete a total of 30 credits each year toward their degree.
Maintain continuous enrollment. - Live and work in New York State for the same number of years they receive the scholarship.
If students previously attended college before Spring 2025, they must have completed at least 30 credits per year applicable toward their degree before applying.
For more information, visit the HESC Excelsior Homepage or connect with your school’s guidance counselor.
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