The Excelsior Scholarship significantly lowers the expense of higher education while providing qualified individuals with the chance to obtain a college degree. The program helps lessen the financial load on families and frees up students to concentrate more on their studies and academic success by paying the leftover tuition costs after other types of financial aid have been applied.
One of New York State’s most well-known financial aid programs is the Excelsior Scholarship, which is run by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. It provides tuition reimbursement for qualified students from eligible families to attend State University of New York and City University of New York campuses.
Additionally, students enrolled at eligible private universities across New York State receive financial assistance through the Enhanced Tuition Award. When combined, these initiatives provide access to reasonably priced higher education, encourage student achievement, and aid in the creation of a highly qualified labor force.
Host Country: United States
Administered By: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Institutions: State University of New York, City University of New York
Opportunity Type: Associate and Bachelor’s
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have a household federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less per year
- Be enrolled at a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college
- Study as a full-time student
- Complete at least 30 academic credits each year
- Maintain progress toward graduating within the standard program duration
- Meet all residency, enrollment, and academic requirements set by the program
Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have lived in New York State for at least 12 consecutive months before enrollment
- Attend a participating private college or university in New York State
- Have a household income of $125,000 or less annually
- Enroll as a full-time student
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits per academic year
- Commit to living and working in New York State for the same number of years they receive the award after graduation
Benefits:
- Tuition fees covered at eligible SUNY institutions
- Tuition support for students attending eligible CUNY institutions
- Reduced reliance on student loans and educational debt
- Increased access to affordable undergraduate education
- Additional financial support after federal and state aid is applied
- Opportunity to earn a college degree with lower overall education costs
Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) Benefits
- Up to $6,000 per year toward tuition expenses
- Financial support for students enrolled at participating private colleges
- Lower out-of-pocket educational costs
- Greater choice and flexibility in selecting a college or university
- Assistance in making private higher education more affordable
- Reduced financial burden throughout the study period
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Proof of New York State residency
- Household income verification documents
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of enrollment at an eligible institution
- Valid identification documents
- Financial aid records, if applicable
- Any additional supporting documents requested by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation during the application process
Deadline: August 31, 2026
