The deadline for applying for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship for the spring 2024 semester is February 2. The Excelsior Scholarship program offers tuition-free education at NYS public colleges and universities and is aimed to make higher education more accessible for low and middle-income New York State residents. The deadline is for first-time students and other qualified individuals not yet receiving the scholarship. Current Excelsior Scholarship recipients do not need to reapply.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must be New York State residents with household federal adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000. Students must enroll in a SUNY (State University of New York) or CUNY (City University of New York) institution and complete 12 credits per term (30 credits per year). Applicants are also required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.
The scholarship covers the cost of tuition after considering other federal and state aid. Additional expenses such as room and board, fees, books, and living expenses are not covered. An integral component of the Excelsior Scholarship is the post-graduation service requirement. Recipients must commit to living and working in New York State for the same duration they received the scholarship.
For the latest information, eligibility details, and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.