Excelsior Scholarship 2027 for US and Eligible Non-US Students Inviting Applications
Students dreaming of earning a college degree in New York without the burden of tuition costs now have a fresh opportunity to secure state-funded financial support. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially announced the opening of applications for the Excelsior Scholarship and the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) for the 2027 academic year, giving eligible students access to tuition-free education at public institutions and substantial tuition assistance at participating private colleges.
The announcement marks the continuation of one of the most ambitious state-funded higher education initiatives in the United States, aimed at making college more affordable for middle-income families while strengthening New York’s future workforce.
What is the Excelsior Scholarship?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State-funded program administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). It enables eligible students from families earning up to $125,000 annually to attend State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions without paying tuition.
The scholarship covers remaining tuition costs after other federal and state financial aid awards have been applied, helping thousands of students reduce or completely eliminate tuition expenses.
According to Governor Hochul, the initiative ensures that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity rather than a source of financial hardship.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
As college costs continue to rise globally, state-funded tuition assistance programs are becoming increasingly important for students seeking affordable higher education.
The Excelsior Scholarship has already demonstrated significant impact across New York:
- More than 25,000 students received Excelsior awards during the 2024-25 academic year.
- Approximately $101 million was distributed through the program.
- Around 72% of CUNY students attended college tuition-free through a combination of Excelsior and other financial aid.
- About 55% of SUNY students benefited from tuition-free attendance through available aid programs.
These figures highlight the growing role of state-supported education funding in increasing college access.
Benefits of the Excelsior Scholarship 2026-27
Successful applicants may receive:
- Full tuition coverage at eligible SUNY institutions.
- Full tuition coverage at eligible CUNY institutions.
- Reduced dependence on student loans.
- Access to more than two-year and four-year degree programs.
- Opportunity to complete undergraduate education at significantly lower cost.
- State-supported financial assistance throughout eligible study periods.
Who Can Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship?
To qualify for the 2026-27 academic year, applicants must satisfy all major eligibility requirements.
Household Income Requirement: Applicants must come from households with a federal adjusted gross income of: $125,000 per year or less.
Academic Requirements: Students must:
- Attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year institution.
- Enroll as a full-time student.
- Complete at least 30 credits annually.
- Credits earned during summer and winter sessions can be included.
- Remain on track to graduate within:
- Two years for an associate degree.
- Four years for a bachelor’s degree.
Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA): Up to $6,000 for Private College Students
Students who prefer attending a participating private college in New York State are not left out of the state’s affordability efforts.
The Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) offers eligible students financial assistance worth up to: Up to $6,000 Per Year. The award helps reduce tuition expenses at participating private colleges across New York State.
During the 2024-25 academic year:
- More than 1,500 students received ETA support.
- Approximately $1.7 million in awards was distributed.
Benefits of the Enhanced Tuition Award
Eligible recipients may receive:
- Up to $6,000 annually toward tuition expenses.
- Financial support for study at participating private colleges.
- Reduced out-of-pocket education costs.
- Greater flexibility in choosing a preferred institution.
Eligibility Requirements for the Enhanced Tuition Award
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Be a New York State resident for at least 12 months before the start of studies.
- Attend a participating private college located in New York State.
- Have a combined household income of $125,000 or less.
- Study full-time.
- Complete at least 30 credits per academic year.
- Agree to live and work in New York State for the same number of years they received the award.
Programs and Degrees Supported
Students may pursue a broad range of academic disciplines available through participating institutions, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Economics
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Biological Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Data Science
- Liberal Arts Programs
Both associate and bachelor’s degree pathways are eligible under the Excelsior Scholarship framework.
Application Deadline
Students planning to begin or continue studies during the 2026-27 academic year should note that the application window is already open. The last date to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship and the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) for the 2026-27 academic year is August 31, 2026.
Final Thoughts
At a time when student debt remains a major concern for families worldwide, New York’s Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award continue to stand out as some of the most substantial state-funded higher education support programs available in the United States.
For eligible students from households earning up to $125,000 annually, the opportunity to study tuition-free at SUNY or CUNY institutions—or receive up to $6,000 annually toward private college tuition—could significantly reduce the financial barriers associated with earning a college degree. As applications are now open, prospective students should begin preparing documentation early and review all eligibility requirements before the August 31, 2026 deadline.