Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship Application Now Open to New Applicants

SUNY and CUNY Students Whose Families Make Up to $125,000 Annually Can Apply for Tuition-Free College

Applications Accepted Through February 2, 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) announced the opening of the spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship application. Eligible students planning to enroll full-time in a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college or university in the spring 2025 term can apply. The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY tuition-free.

“The Excelsior Scholarship transforms lives by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage every eligible New Yorker to apply for this scholarship to pursue their higher education goals and build a brighter future for themselves, their family, and their community.”

To be eligible for the spring Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including but not limited to the following criteria:

• Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less
• Be entering college in the spring 2025 term
• Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college full-time  
• Agree to live in New York State and not be employed out of state for a duration equal to the number of years you received the scholarship 

To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students eligible for federal aid must complete the FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications or apply through the New York State DREAM Act. The TAP application can be accessed through the New York State Aid link at the end of the FAFSA. Students who already submitted their FAFSA and missed the link can apply here.

  New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of investing in higher education and its role in shaping the future of our state. Her commitment to ensuring that every student has a fair shot at an affordable education is transforming lives and creating opportunities.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience at an affordable price. With the invaluable support of the Excelsior Scholarship, New York State's Tuition Assistance Program, and other financial aid, 52% of in-state SUNY students attend one of our 64 institutions completely tuition-free. This is made possible through the incredible efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul and our legislative partners.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “As part of our efforts to help current and prospective students access financial aid by completing their FAFSA and TAP applications, we are also encouraging eligible students to apply for robust New York State opportunities like the Excelsior Scholarship, which has already enabled thousands of CUNY students to attend college tuition-free and provided a pathway for them to pursue and achieve their dreams. We thank Gov. Hochul for her strong commitment to keeping the many benefits of higher education accessible and attainable to all New Yorkers.”

Launched in 2017, the New York State Excelsior Scholarship provides students with the opportunity to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges and universities tuition-free. By removing financial barriers, the program aims to make higher education more accessible to middle-class families. Applications for the spring 2025 scholarship will be accepted through February 2, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.