Scholarships

Excelsior Scholarship 2025: Eligibility and How To Apply

Frank Utibe
3 min read

The Excelsior Scholarship, a transformative initiative launched by the State of New York, is reshaping the landscape of higher education. It inspires eligible students to pursue tuition-free undergraduate degrees at SUNY or CUNY colleges, including the esteemed City College of New York (CCNY).

This groundbreaking initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students and families, enabling broader access to quality education. Below, we explore the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process for the 2025 academic year.

Benefits of the Excelsior Scholarship

  1. Tuition-Free Education: Covers up to $5,500 annually or the actual tuition cost, whichever is lower.
  1. Supplemental Financial Support: This program works with other financial aid programs, including New York State (NYS) aid and federal grants.
  1. No-Interest Loan Option: The scholarship can be converted into a no-interest loan if residency or work requirements still need to be met post-graduation.
  1. Accessible to Many: Available to first-time undergraduate students at any SUNY or CUNY institution, including CCNY.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:

  • Be a New York State resident.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Enroll in their first undergraduate degree program at a SUNY or CUNY institution.
  • Submit a FAFSA and a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment, completing at least 12 credits per term and 30 credits annually toward their degree.
  • Provide 2022 and 2023 NYS Income Tax Returns for income verification.
  • Agree to reside and work in New York State for the duration of the scholarship benefits received.

How to Apply?

Follow these steps to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship for 2025:

  1. Complete FAFSA and TAP Applications: Visit the CCNY financial aid page for guidance here.
  1. Submit the Application via HESC: Use the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) portal at www.hesc.ny.gov.
  1. Prepare Supporting Documents:
    • 2022 and 2023 NYS Income Tax Returns (for you and your parents).
    • 2024–2025 Student Aid Report (SAR).
    • College transcripts (if applicable).
    • Proof of ADA status for transfer students with disabilities.
  1. Upload Documents: Log in to your HESC account to upload all required documents.

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: Spring 2024

Bottom Line

The Excelsior Scholarship stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring students, bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity. By alleviating the financial challenges associated with higher education, this program ensures that qualified students at CCNY and other SUNY or CUNY institutions can focus on achieving their academic and professional goals without the weight of tuition fees.

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