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The Excelsior Scholarship 2026-27 in the USA is now open for applications from students planning to study at public universities in New York State. The scholarship allows eligible students from households earning $125,000 or less to study tuition-free at participating SUNY and CUNY colleges.
Funded by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the program covers remaining tuition costs after federal and state financial aid is applied. The Excelsior Scholarship application for the 2026-27 academic year is expected to open in May 2026.
Students pursuing undergraduate degrees at State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions can apply if they meet residency, income, and academic requirements.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship 2026-27 is a New York State tuition-free scholarship program for undergraduate students studying at SUNY and CUNY colleges. Students from households earning up to $125,000 per year may qualify for full tuition coverage after federal and state aid is applied.
Excelsior Scholarship 2026-27 Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Host State | New York |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible Universities | SUNY & CUNY Colleges |
| Scholarship Coverage | Tuition-Free Education |
| Income Limit | $125,000 Household Income |
| Application Opening | May 2026 |
Also Check: Georgia Promise Scholarship 2026
Benefits
The Excelsior Scholarship offers several benefits for domestic and eligible noncitizen students in New York State.
Scholarship Benefits
- Covers remaining tuition expenses at SUNY and CUNY institutions
- Supports associate and bachelor’s degree programs
- Renewable annually if eligibility requirements are maintained
- Reduces out-of-pocket tuition costs for students
- Available for community colleges and four-year universities
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees only
The scholarship does not cover:
- Accommodation
- Food and meals
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books and personal expenses
Also Check: MTN Foundation Scholarships 2026 for Nigerians
Eligibility Criteria for Excelsior Scholarship 2026-27
Students must meet all eligibility conditions before applying.
Income Requirement
Applicants must have:
- Combined household adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less
Residency Requirement
Students must:
- Be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
- Be legal residents of New York State for at least 12 continuous months
Undocumented students may qualify through the NYS DREAM Act application process.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Study full-time at a SUNY or CUNY college
- Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester
- Complete at least 30 credits annually
- Maintain continuous enrollment
- Pursue an undergraduate degree program
To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship 2026, students must live in New York State, have a household income of $125,000 or less, enroll full-time at a SUNY or CUNY college, and complete at least 30 credits each year.
Also Check: University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 2026 in Canada
Credit Requirements
Students must complete the required credits each academic year to maintain eligibility.
| Terms Completed | Standard Programs | Opportunity Programs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 Credits | 12 Credits |
| 2 | 30 Credits | 24 Credits |
| 3 | 45 Credits | 36 Credits |
| 4 | 60 Credits | 48 Credits |
| 5 | 75 Credits | 60 Credits |
| 6 | 90 Credits | 72 Credits |
| 7 | 105 Credits | 84 Credits |
| 8 | 120 Credits | 96 Credits |
Post-Graduation Requirement
Recipients of the Scholarship must agree to:
- Live in New York State after graduation for the same number of years they received the scholarship
- Work in New York State during that period if employed
Students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship must live and work in New York State after graduation for the same number of years they received the award.
Who Can Keep Eligibility During Enrollment Interruptions?
Students may remain eligible if enrollment is interrupted due to:
- Medical conditions
- Mental health issues
- Military service
- Parental leave
- Death of an immediate family member
- Family caregiving responsibilities
How to Apply
Students can apply for the Excelsior Scholarship by following these steps:
- Complete the FAFSA application
- Submit the NYS TAP application
- Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship through the HESC portal
- Upload required supporting documents if requested
Application Deadline
The Excelsior Scholarship application for the 2026-27 academic year is expected to open in May 2026. Students should regularly check the official HESC website for updated deadlines and application announcements.
Official Website
Students can apply and read official guidelines through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website: https://hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program
