A state scholarship program that provides free tuition to qualified students at the State University of New York and the City University of New York is now accepting applications.
This week, Governor Kathy Hochul said that first-time students and those from households earning less than $125,000 annually who have never received the scholarship are eligible to apply for the spring 2024 term.
For qualifying state residents, the scholarship potentially offers a tuition-free college experience by filling the tuition gap left by federal and state financial aid.
“The Excelsior Scholarship is a game-changer for students across New York state who might not have the financial means to pursue higher education,” Hochul said. “This program is making college more affordable and accessible for low- and middle-income families, giving them the opportunity to obtain their college degree.”
Students who intend to attend a SUNY or CUNY school may apply; the deadline is February 2.
First-time students must plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and accrue 30 credits annually toward their program of study in addition to meeting the family income requirements.
More than 263,000 students received state financial aid in the 2021–2022 academic year thanks to New York state’s college finance programs; of these, almost 30,000 students were able to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free thanks to the Excelsior Scholarship.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated that many SUNY graduates graduate with less debt or none at all because Excelsior and the state’s Tuition Assistance Program help 53% of in-state SUNY students attend tuition-free.
“There is a place at SUNY for everyone and, every year, the Excelsior Scholarship, along with (TAP) help make college a reality for more New Yorkers,” King said.
