Deadline Is February 3, 2026
The Excelsior Scholarship application is currently open for students attending college during the 2026 spring semester. The spring Excelsior application allows eligible students who plan to enroll full-time at a State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) two- or four-year college for the spring 2026 term, as well as those who missed the fall application, to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship.
This program helps remove financial barriers to higher education by covering tuition costs, enabling more New York students to pursue their college goals without taking on tuition debt.
“Each year, the Excelsior Scholarship helps transform the lives of tens of thousands of New York students by making tuition-free college a reality and strengthening affordability across the State,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This program cements our commitment to ensuring every eligible student can earn a degree without the weight of debt. When we invest in our students, we invest in the families, communities and future of New York State.”
To be eligible to receive the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less
- Be pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university
- Complete at least 30 credits per year in an approved program of study
- Live and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years the scholarship was received
In addition, students who qualify for federal aid must complete the FAFSA and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Every application we process, and every student we support, brings us closer to a future where tuition-free college is not just an aspiration but a reality. … Excelsior is more than just a scholarship; it’s a promise to New York’s students and families that their dreams of a college education are within reach, and HESC is proud to make that promise a reality.”
“The Excelsior Scholarship has helped advance affordability and upward mobility by empowering New Yorkers to pursue better opportunities through earning a college degree,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. added. “We will continue our efforts to ensure that every New Yorker has access to a world-class, affordable education that helps them pursue their dreams and unleash their full potential.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said of the scholarship, “This opportunity not only empowers students, but the Excelsior Scholarship also helps the state economy through having recipients live, work, and stay right here in New York.”
Applications for the spring 2026 scholarship will be accepted through February 3, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.