Spring 2026 Excelsior Scholarship Application Now Open

Published December 17, 2025

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 missed the fall Excelsior application, you may qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges through the Excelsior Scholarship.

To qualify, you must:

• Have an adjusted federal household 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 help?
Get one-on-one help completing your financial aid applications with HESC's virtual events.