Governor announces Excelsior Scholarship
open for new applicants for spring 2023 

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 27, 2022) – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the application for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants for the spring 2023 term is now open. The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid, allows eligible full-time students to attend a State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) two-year or four-year college tuition-free.

"Since its inception, the Excelsior Scholarship has enabled tens of thousands of students from low and middle-income families the chance to pursue a quality education tuition-free," Hochul said. "By easing the financial burden associated with the cost of attending college, students and their families can focus on their education, providing New York's students every possible opportunity to climb the ladder of success."

Students from households with federal adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000 are eligible for a Spring Excelsior Scholarship award.

In addition, students must:

·        Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college,

·        Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study (including summer and winter terms), and

·        Be on track to graduate with an associate degree in two years or a bachelor's degree in four years.

"The cost to attend college is often a barrier for students from low and middle-income families who wish to experience the benefits that come from earning a postsecondary degree or credential,” said Dr. Guillermo Linares, president of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. “The Excelsior Scholarship offers the opportunity for students who, without financial support, could not readily afford to purse a college degree."

The Excelsior Scholarship is just one of the many ways New York State makes college affordable and accessible. Check out the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/ to explore other options available to help pay for college.

The Spring 2023 Excelsior Scholarship application is open to first-time students entering college in the spring 2023 term and current college students who have never received the Excelsior Scholarship. Students who are currently receiving an Excelsior Scholarship do not need to complete this application to receive continued award payments.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 9.

(Governor's Press Office)