Excelsior Scholarship 2025 at City College of New York for American Students

The Excelsior Scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative by the State of New York, offers eligible students the chance to pursue their undergraduate degrees tuition-free at SUNY or CUNY colleges, including the prestigious City College of New York (CCNY).

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines for the 2025 academic year.

Benefits of the Excelsior Scholarship

1. Tuition-Free Education: Covers up to $5,500 per year or the actual tuition cost for the academic year, whichever is less.
2. Additional Financial Support: Complements other financial aid awards, such as New York State (NYS) aid and federal grants.
3. No-Interest Loan Option: Converts into a no-interest loan only if recipients fail to meet residency or work requirements post-graduation.
4. Wide Accessibility: Open to all eligible first-time undergraduate students at SUNY or CUNY colleges, including CCNY.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a resident of New York State.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Pursue their first undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY institution.
• File a FAFSA and a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.
• Complete at least 12 credits per term and a total of 30 credits annually, applicable toward their degree program.
• Provide 2022 and 2023 NYS Income Tax Return information (based on the academic year applied for).
• Commit to living and working in New York State for the length of time they received the scholarship.

How to Apply?

Application Steps for 2025:

1. Complete FAFSA and TAP Applications: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/financialaid/excelsior-scholarship?srsltid=AfmBOordW9NwqFwVvtEwFuH5ogN71LDLK9AvnReqEjN9G5H7WtDSuenX.
2. Apply via HESC: Submit your Excelsior Scholarship application through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) portal at www.hesc.ny.gov.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents:
   • 2022/2023 NYS Income Tax Returns (for you and your parents).
   • Your 2024–2025 Student Aid Report (SAR).
   • All prior college transcripts (if applicable).
   • Proof of ADA status, if applying as a transfer student with a disability.
4. Upload Documents: After submission, log into your HESC account and upload the required documents.

Application Opens: Spring 2024.