How to get free college tuition in N.Y.: Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship application open

New York college students who attend qualified State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions are now eligible to apply for free tuition and the Excelsior Scholarship for the next semester.

Eligible students from homes earning less than $125,000 annually can now apply for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship for the 2025 Spring academic session.

For qualified state residents, the scholarship offers the possibility of a tuition-free college experience by covering a tuition gap following federal and state financial aid.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation states that interested students must apply through the New York State DREAM Act or complete the FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications.

The application deadline is February 3.

Students who intend to enroll in CUNY or SUNY institutions, such as Willowbrook’s College of Staten Island, are eligible for the award.

The state has established the following eligibility requirements:

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  Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less
  
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  Pursue an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university
  
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  Enrolled in full-time study (at least 12 credits per term)
  
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  Complete at least 30 credits per year
  

Excelsior scholars are also required to reside and work in New York State for the same number of years that they are awarded the scholarship. For instance, you would have to reside and work in New York State for four years if you were granted the prize for four years.

According to a statement from Governor Kathy Hochul, the Excelsior Scholarship changes lives by lowering the cost and increasing access to higher education for students throughout New York State. In order to pursue their higher education objectives and create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities, I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply for this award.

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