As we approach the 2024 academic year, New York residents have a beacon of hope in the form of the NYS Excelsior Scholarship. This scholarship program is specifically designed for students attending SUNY or CUNY colleges and provides a partial coverage of college tuition fees.
The NYS Excelsior Scholarship is a financial aid program for New York City residents attending CUNY colleges. It covers the full cost of tuition, up to the in-state rate at your SUNY or CUNY college, with a maximum value of up to $5,500. However, it does not cover other expenses like fees, books, housing, or meal plans. The scholarship can be received for up to four years for a bachelor’s degree, and up to two years for an associate’s degree.
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must be New York State residents for at least 12 months before the term they apply for, have filed a FAFSA and NYS Student Aid Payment Application on time each year, be enrolled full-time in an approved degree program at a SUNY or CUNY college, have a household Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $125,000 or less, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website. The deadline for the Spring 2024 semester is February 2nd, 2024. The Excelsior Scholarship can be combined with other federal and state grants, but applicants must complete the FAFSA and the NYS Student Aid Payment Application every year to maintain eligibility.
The NYS Excelsior Scholarship is a great opportunity for New York residents to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees, and it’s important for aspiring students to understand the program’s requirements and benefits. If you meet the eligibility criteria, be sure to apply by the deadline to take advantage of this valuable financial aid opportunity.
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