About Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY)
Free tuition at any SUNY or CUNY school for families earning up to $125,000. Covers the remaining tuition after other grants — making public college effectively FREE for qualifying New Yorkers.
How to Apply in New York
- Complete FAFSA and TAP applications first
- Apply for Excelsior at hesc.ny.gov
- Household income must be $125,000 or less
- Must be enrolled full-time (30 credits/year) at SUNY or CUNY
- Must live and work in NY for the same number of years you received the award
Contact & Official Links
Phone: 1-888-697-4372
See Everything You Qualify For in New York
Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY) is one of many programs you may be eligible for. Beneify screens your household against the full program list — free, private, about 3 minutes.
Start Free Screening ›Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY) worth?
Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY): Worth ~$500/month in tuition savings. Eligible households may receive a benefit worth up to ~$500 per month.
Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY): Worth ~$500/month in tuition savings. Eligible households may receive a benefit worth up to ~$500 per month.
How do I apply for Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY) in New York?
To apply: Complete FAFSA and TAP applications first. Apply for Excelsior at hesc.ny.gov. Household income must be $125,000 or less. You can also call 1-888-697-4372. Official website: https://hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program
To apply: Complete FAFSA and TAP applications first. Apply for Excelsior at hesc.ny.gov. Household income must be $125,000 or less. You can also call 1-888-697-4372. Official website: https://hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program
Who qualifies for Excelsior Scholarship (Free SUNY/CUNY)?
Free tuition at any SUNY or CUNY school for families earning up to $125,000. Covers the remaining tuition after other grants — making public college effectively FREE for qualifying New Yorkers. Final eligibility is determined by the program when you apply. Beneify's free screener can estimate your eligibility in about 3 minutes.
Free tuition at any SUNY or CUNY school for families earning up to $125,000. Covers the remaining tuition after other grants — making public college effectively FREE for qualifying New Yorkers. Final eligibility is determined by the program when you apply. Beneify's free screener can estimate your eligibility in about 3 minutes.