EXCELSIOR INTRODUCTION
Be a resident of New York State.
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Complete at least 30 credits each year (consecutively), applicable toward your degree program.
To complete the application, you will need your IT-201 New York State Income Tax Return(s) for:
2024 NYS tax information for the 2026–2027 academic year
File both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) CCNY SCHOOL CODE 00268800 and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. HESC SCHOOL CODE 1411
The Excelsior Scholarship is a tuition-free program for eligible New York State residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college.
The Excelsior Scholarship application opens in the spring for the upcoming academic year.
Renewing excelsior scholarship student need to sign their contracts with HESC. (if you met the yearly credit requirements in the prior academic year)
New York State residents can apply for the NYS Excelsior Scholarship via HESC.
If you graduated from a high school outside the United States, you must meet the "Ability to Benefit" (ATB) requirement by the 21st day of the semester. For more information, contact the Evaluation and Testing Office located at Wille Administration Building, Room A-213. Phone: (212) 650-6488.
Students must file both a FAFSA and a TAP application before applying for the Excelsior Scholarship.
Applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits per year (consecutively) that are applicable toward their degree program.
Year 1 = 30 credits ; Year 2= 60 Credits; Year 3= 90 Credits; Year 4= 120 credits
The maximum Excelsior Scholarship amount will be reduced by other financial aid awards received for the academic year, including other New York State aid and/or federal grants.
Recipients must live in New York State for the same number of years they received the award. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the conversion of the award to a no-interest loan.
For additional information, contact HESC or visit their website: www.hesc.ny.gov.
Read eligibility requirements at Excelsior Scholarship FAQs – CUNY.
Note: Students who are current Excelsior Scholarship recipients do not need to complete a new application.
To complete the 2026–2027 you will need to:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application.
Apply for the NYS Excelsior Scholarship via HESC at: if you are a New York State resident.
Provide copies of the New York State income tax return(s) filed by you and your parent(s).
Upload all of your college transcripts and your Student Aid Report (SAR).
If you are a transfer student with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), upload an official college transcript.
Please ensure that you upload all required documents after submitting your NYS Excelsior application through your HESC Account Access page.
Read eligibility requirements at Excelsior Scholarship FAQs – CUNY.
If you have additional questions, contact the Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov or call 1 (888) 697-4372.
Has your income been adversely affected due to a disability, divorce, or separation of the applicant, parent, or spouse or the death of a parent or spouse?
If you were notified that you are ineligible because your household federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is greater than $125,000, but your income was adversely affected due to a disability, divorce or legal separation of the applicant, parent or spouse or the death of a parent or spouse, you may be eligible to use your current income to establish income eligibility.To request a review of your eligibility, complete the Income Eligibility Determination Form and upload to the HESCPIN Authentication page.
What happens next... after I qualify?
Dear Student,
As you prepare for course registration, we encourage you to take this opportunity to map out your academic path toward graduation. Staying on track and avoiding repeated coursework will not only help ensure timely degree completion – it also allows you to maintain your Excelsior Scholarship. We strongly encourage you to review the important information below and meet with your academic advisor to discuss your course selections.
To stay on track academically and maintain Excelsior Scholarship eligibility:
Note: Passing 15 credits per semester (within your declared major) keeps you on pace to graduate on time, typically within four years. This strategy ensures you can maximize your Excelsior Scholarship without needing to enroll in winter or summer courses.
DegreeWorks is a personalized degree audit tool that helps you keep track of your academic progress toward graduation. Please review these links prior to your meeting with an academic advisor: overview video, “What-If” feature (impacts of changing a major), and the Frequently Asked Questions.
📘 Undergraduate Seniors Excelsior Minimum Requirements (Final Year of Study)
Students in the final year of study do not need to meet the 30 credit requirement. You must graduate or reach 120 credits that apply to your major in four successive years (No break in attendance)
Note: Bank credits are used to help a student's reach 30 credit yearly requirements only if short in an academic year. AP credits or transferred college credit must not have been used in prior years. AP or Transfer college credits can not be used if DegreeWorks disallows a course because it does not apply to major.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your division’s academic advisor.
Have a successful semester! 😊
Failed to complete an average of at least 30 combined credits per year applicable to your degree program,
Failed to have sufficient credits accepted by your transfer college, or
Failed to maintain continuous enrollment.
Your extenuating circumstances must meet one of the approved conditions listed by HESC and must be supported by appropriate documentation.
Per New York State law, students who completed fewer credits than required and/or had a break in attendance may still be eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship if the interruption was due to one of the following:
A. The death or illness of a family member
B. Documented medical leave
C. Active military service
D. Parental leave
E. A disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended)
F. A one-term break in attendance when transferring from a college with a non-standard academic calendar (e.g., LaGuardia Community College, Kingsborough Community College, and/or Guttman Community College)
If you meet one of the conditions listed above, please contact the CCNY Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. Our staff will post an “Excelsior Appeal” checklist to your CUNYfirst “To Do List” for the 2026–2027 academic year.
2025–2026 Excelsior Scholarship Appeal - Now until December 1st, 2026
Closed Deadlines for Excelsior Appeal
Note: Even if you choose to begin the appeal process, approval is not guaranteed. In the meantime, you are responsible for any outstanding balances not currently covered by the Excelsior Scholarship or any other form of financial aid.
Last Updated: 02/25/2026 16:28