Excelsior Scholarship: Benefits, Eligibility, Funding
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State program that provides free tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges to eligible students. The scholarship is funded by the state government and is designed to make college more affordable for New York State residents. The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition only, and does not cover other costs such as room and board, fees, or books. However, students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship may also be eligible for other financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
- What is the Excelsior Scholarship?
- Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
- What are the benefits of the Excelsior Scholarship?
- How to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship
- Common questions about the Excelsior Scholarship
- Success stories from Excelsior Scholarship recipients
- Alternatives to the Excelsior Scholarship
- Tips for success as an Excelsior Scholar
- How to give back as an Excelsior Scholar
- The future of the Excelsior Scholarship
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
What is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State program that provides free tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges to eligible students. It is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to students who have a high school diploma or equivalent degree and who meet certain income requirements. The Excelsior Scholarship was created in 2017 by Governor Andrew Cuomo as a way to make college more affordable for New York State residents. The program is funded by the state government and is expected to cost $1.6 billion over five years. Students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship will have their tuition covered for up to four years of undergraduate study. The scholarship does not cover other costs such as room and board, fees, or books. However, students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship may also be eligible for other financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship is available to New York State residents who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a New York State resident for at least one year prior to applying
- Be enrolled full-time in a SUNY or CUNY college
- Complete 30 credits per year
- Have a family income of $125,000 or less
In addition to these general eligibility requirements, there are also some special eligibility requirements for certain groups of students, such as veterans and students with disabilities.
Veterans
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, veterans must meet all of the general eligibility requirements, plus the following additional requirements:
- Have served at least one day in the active-duty military
- Have received an honorable discharge
- Be discharged within 10 years of applying for the scholarship
Students with Disabilities
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students with disabilities must meet all of the general eligibility requirements, plus the following additional requirements:
- Be registered with the Disability Services office at their college or university
- Have a documented disability that meets the definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
What are the benefits of the Excelsior Scholarship?
- Free tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges: The Excelsior Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition at any SUNY or CUNY college, which can save students thousands of dollars on their education.
- Reduced financial burden for students and their families: The Excelsior Scholarship can help to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, making college more affordable and accessible.
- Increased access to higher education for New York State residents: The Excelsior Scholarship can help to increase access to higher education for New York State residents, especially those from low- and middle-income families.
- Improved economic opportunities for New York State residents: The Excelsior Scholarship can help to improve the economic opportunities for New York State residents by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.
- Increased social mobility: The Excelsior Scholarship can help to increase social mobility by providing students from all backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue a college education.
How to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship
To apply for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must follow these steps:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility, including eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship.
- Create an account on the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.
- Complete the Excelsior Scholarship application. The application is available online through the HESC website.
- Submit the Excelsior Scholarship application by the deadline. The deadline for the 2023-2024 school year is April 15, 2023.
Common questions about the Excelsior Scholarship
Q: Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, students must be New York State residents, enrolled full-time in a SUNY or CUNY college, complete 30 credits per year, and have a family income of $125,000 or less. There are also special eligibility requirements for veterans and students with disabilities.
Q: How much does the Excelsior Scholarship cover?
A: The Excelsior Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges. It does not cover other costs, such as room and board, fees, or books. However, students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship may also be eligible for other financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
Q: What is the deadline to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: The deadline to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year is April 15, 2023.
Q: What happens if I drop out of college while receiving the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: If you drop out of college while receiving the Excelsior Scholarship, you will need to repay the scholarship funds that you have received. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you drop out of college because of medical reasons or military service.
Q: What happens if I transfer to a private college while receiving the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: If you transfer to a private college while receiving the Excelsior Scholarship, you will no longer be eligible for the scholarship. However, you may be eligible for other financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant and student loans.
Q: How can I learn more about the Excelsior Scholarship?
A: You can learn more about the Excelsior Scholarship by visiting the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website or by calling HESC at 1-888-697-4372.
Success stories from Excelsior Scholarship recipients
Student Name: Maria Gonzalez
College: SUNY Buffalo
Major: Nursing
Success Story: Maria Gonzalez is a first-generation college student who is studying nursing at SUNY Buffalo. She received the Excelsior Scholarship, which has allowed her to focus on her studies without having to worry about the financial burden of college. Maria says that the Excelsior Scholarship has been a lifesaver. She comes from a low-income family, and her parents could not afford to help her pay for college. Without the Excelsior Scholarship, Maria would not have been able to attend college.
Student Name: David Smith
College: SUNY Cortland
Major: Education
Success Story: David Smith is a junior at SUNY Cortland, where he is studying to become a teacher. He received the Excelsior Scholarship, which has allowed him to focus on his studies and get involved in extracurricular activities. David says that the Excelsior Scholarship has given him the opportunity to pursue his dreams of becoming a teacher. He comes from a middle-class family, but his parents would still have had to struggle to pay for his college tuition. Without the Excelsior Scholarship, David would have had to take out a lot of student loans, which would have burdened him after graduation.
Student Name: Sarah Jones
College: CUNY Hunter College
Major: Social Work
Success Story: Sarah Jones is a senior at CUNY Hunter College, where she is studying social work. She received the Excelsior Scholarship, which has allowed her to focus on her studies and graduate on time. Sarah says that the Excelsior Scholarship has been a huge help to her. She comes from a single-parent household, and her mother could not have afforded to pay for her college tuition without the scholarship.
Alternatives to the Excelsior Scholarship
- New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP is a grant program that provides financial assistance to New York State residents who attend SUNY, CUNY, or private colleges in New York State. TAP awards are based on financial need and may be used to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
- Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is a federal grant program that provides financial assistance to low-income students who attend college or career school. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG is a federal grant program that provides financial assistance to low-income undergraduate students. FSEOG grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and students must be enrolled in at least half-time studies to be eligible.
- Work-Study: Work-Study is a federal program that provides part-time jobs to students who need financial assistance. Work-Study jobs are available on campus and off campus, and students can earn up to $1,750 per semester.
- Private scholarships: There are thousands of private scholarships available to students of all backgrounds and majors. Students can search for private scholarships online or through their school’s financial aid office.
Tips for success as an Excelsior Scholar
- Make the most of your free tuition. The Excelsior Scholarship is a great opportunity to save money on college tuition. Take advantage of this opportunity by taking a full course load and graduating on time.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can help you learn new skills, make friends, and build your resume. There are many clubs and organizations to choose from at SUNY and CUNY schools.
- Take advantage of student support services. Many SUNY and CUNY schools offer student support services such as tutoring, career counseling, and academic advising. Take advantage of these services to help you succeed in your studies.
- Network with other students and professionals. Networking can help you find internships, jobs, and mentors. Attend career fairs and networking events, and reach out to people in your field of interest.
- Give back to your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and gain valuable experience. There are many volunteer opportunities available to students at SUNY and CUNY schools.
How to give back as an Excelsior Scholar
- Mentor other students. Excelsior Scholars can mentor younger students from their high school, community college, or SUNY/CUNY school. Mentoring can help students learn about the college application process, financial aid, and academic success strategies.
- Volunteer your time and skills. Excelsior Scholars can volunteer their time and skills to local organizations. There are many ways to volunteer, such as tutoring students, helping out at a soup kitchen, or working with animals.
- Advocate for the Excelsior Scholarship. Excelsior Scholars can advocate for the Excelsior Scholarship by talking to friends and family about the program, writing letters to their elected officials, and attending rallies and events.
- Donate to the Excelsior Scholarship. Excelsior Scholars can donate to the Excelsior Scholarship to help other students receive the same opportunities that they did.
The future of the Excelsior Scholarship
The future of the Excelsior Scholarship is uncertain. The program is currently funded through 2025, but it is unclear whether the state legislature will renew it. Some lawmakers have argued that the program is too expensive, while others have argued that it is essential for making college more affordable for New York State residents. If the Excelsior Scholarship is renewed, it is likely that there will be some changes to the program. For example, the state legislature may reduce the income eligibility threshold or increase the number of credits that students must complete each year. The state legislature may also add new requirements to the program, such as requiring students to maintain a certain GPA or volunteer in their communities.
Conclusion
The Excelsior Scholarship is a great opportunity for New York State residents to get a free college education at a SUNY or CUNY school. The scholarship is funded by the state government and is available to students who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as income limits and residency requirements. The Excelsior Scholarship can help students save thousands of dollars on college tuition. This can make college more affordable for students from all backgrounds and financial situations. The scholarship can also help students graduate from college with less debt. The Excelsior Scholarship is a transformative program that is helping to make college more affordable and accessible for New York State residents. By providing free tuition, the Excelsior Scholarship is helping students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
FAQ's
If you are an undergraduate who is a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and has lived in New York State for one year prior to enrollment and whose family’s adjusted gross income does not exceed $125,000 (in tax year 2021), and you complete thirty (30) credits per year, you may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship…
The Excelsior Scholarship provides tuition assistance to qualifying students attending public colleges and universities in New York State (SUNY and CUNY). When combined with other student financial aid programs, this award permits students to attend a SUNY college tuition-free.
Be pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Attend classes full-time. Earn no more than $125,000 (household federal adjusted gross income). Fill out the FAFSA and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications.
To begin your application for admission, call 1-876-928-5070-1 or send an email to [email protected]. If you need to start a new application, go here. If you already have an application with us, you may view your progress by clicking here.