Excelsior Scholarship
New York Higher Education Services Corporation
Every year, the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools offer the Excelsior Scholarship of up to $5,500 to New York undergraduate and high school seniors and graduates to further their education. This program, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It’s also offered to students enrolled in other public institutions. All applicants must be residents of New York.
The Excelsior Scholarship is dedicated to families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2020 are eligible to apply. It covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied. The amount is determined following the recipient’s financial aid and/or federal Pell Grant.
The Excelsior Scholarship award payments can not exceed two years of full-time undergraduate study in a program leading to an associate’s degree or four years of full-time undergraduate study, or five years if the program of study normally requires five years, in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree.
Scholarship Summary
Every year, the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools offer the Excelsior Scholarship of up to $5,500 to New York undergraduate and high school seniors and graduates to further their education. This program, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. It’s also offered to students enrolled in other public institutions. All applicants must be residents of New York.
The Excelsior Scholarship is dedicated to families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2020 are eligible to apply. It covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied. The amount is determined following the recipient’s financial aid and/or federal Pell Grant.
The Excelsior Scholarship award payments can not exceed two years of full-time undergraduate study in a program leading to an associate’s degree or four years of full-time undergraduate study, or five years if the program of study normally requires five years, in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Graduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: New York
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Excelsior Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
- City University of New York
- State University of New York
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Financial Information
- Grade transcript
- School Verification
Excelsior Scholarship Timeline
May
Fall Application Opening Date
Applications for the Fall award usually open in May.
August
Fall Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the Fall award on in August 31.
December
Spring Application Opening Date
Applications for the Spring award usually open in December.
February
Spring Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the Spring award is in February.
How to ace the Excelsior Scholarship
Start the application process right away
You should start the application process as soon as possible. This will allow you enough time to acquire all necessary documents and complete all forms. Have everything organized and planned to avoid any last-minute complications.
Demonstrate good academic standing
This scholarship is need-based and doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement. However, potential candidates must maintain good academic standing. Work hard to keep your grades up. Grades will be an indicator to how dedicated and serious you are. Remember you must ace your SAT and ACT exams.
Make sure you stand out
Provide a resume full of your work experience in community service and extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership you took in several projects in your community, neighborhood, or school. Judges are looking for those with a lot of community involvement and young people who are and will continue to be great leaders.
Provide accurate information
You must demonstrate determination and dedication to your field of study and how this scholarship will benefit your goals. Therefore, provide accurate information regarding your background and household income as this is a need-based scholarship. You will have to fill FAFSA report so any misleading or inaccurate information will disqualify your application.
How the Excelsior Scholarship is Judged
Applications are assessed based on financial need and the quality of applications and academic standing.
Why We Love the Excelsior Scholarship
It supports low-income students
The Excelsior Scholarship allows students from low-income households to join college and not give up on their dreams. It helps them excel and reach their academic and career goals by allowing them access to higher education.
It honors exceptional students
This program honors students of good academic standing to focus on their studies without worrying about college expenses and tuition fees. The Excelsior fills in the remainder gap following the received financial aid.
It is inclusive
All eligible students are welcome to apply without any prejudice. This program is open to all regardless of gender, race, age, background, ethnicity, etc.
5 Facts About the Excelsior Scholarship
It is offered to undergraduate students
Applicants must be NY residents and be enrolled or plan to enroll in undergraduate degree programs. High school seniors are eligible to apply.
It is renewable
The award is renewable yet recipients must reapply to be eligible to receive an Excelsior Scholarship for the remainder of their undergraduate degree program.
You must demonstrate financial need
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit FAFSA forms.
You must demonstrate good academic standing
There is no GPA requirement yet potential candidates must demonstrate academic excellence. The program accepts SA and ACT scores.
Students at other institutions are eligible
Students, who are currently attending college, are eligible to receive an award, provided they are currently on track to complete their degree on time.