Published
The 2026 Spring Excelsior Application is Now Open
Attend a SUNY or CUNY school tuition-free!
If you’re starting college in spring 2026, or if you’re already enrolled and missed the fall Excelsior application, you may still qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges through the Excelsior Scholarship.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a family annual income of $125,000 or less.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 continuous months prior to applying.
- Live and work in New York State for the same number of years you receive the scholarship.
Deadline: February 3, 2026
If you do not meet the residency criteria, you may still qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.
For more information and full eligibility, visit the HESC Excelsior webpage.
Need FAFSA/TAP help?
Attend one of HESC’s virtual FAFSA/TAP completion events: