Excelsior Scholarship: Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

Free if eligible

What it covers: Remaining eligible SUNY / CUNY tuition
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
Income / financial rules: Federal household AGI of $125,000 or less
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
Who to check first: New York residency or qualifying NYS DREAM Act eligibility
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
Application timing: 2026–27 application is closed
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

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Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

New York residency or qualifying NYS DREAM Act eligibilityFull-time study; normally 30 degree-applicable credits each yearLive in New York after graduation for as long as you received the award; work in NY if employed

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

How to apply

1
Complete FAFSA and TAP, or the DREAM Act application, each year
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗
2
Check the HESC application page for the next application window
As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

What to watch for

Last-dollar aid: other applicable grants are applied to tuition first

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

Leaving NY before satisfying the residency obligation can convert the award to a loan

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

Remaining eligible SUNY / CUNY tuition

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

Is there an income limit?

Federal household AGI of $125,000 or less

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

When should I apply?

2026–27 application is closed

As of Oct 15, 2026 · New York HESC ↗

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

Excelsior Scholarship

New York HESC

Checked Oct 15, 2026