SUNY and CUNY Students Whose Families Make up to $125,000 Annually Can Attend College Tuition-Free
Applications Accepted Through February 3, 2026
NYS News Release of Dec, 18, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the Excelsior Scholarship application for students attending college during the 2026 spring semester. The spring Excelsior application allows eligible students who plan to enroll full-time at a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college for the spring 2026 term, as well as those who missed the fall application, to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. This landmark program helps remove financial barriers to higher education by covering tuition costs, enabling more New York students to pursue their college goals without taking on tuition debt.
“Each year, the Excelsior Scholarship helps transform the lives of tens of thousands of New York students by making tuition-free college a reality and strengthening affordability across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “This program cements our commitment to ensuring every eligible student can earn a degree without the weight of debt. When we invest in our students, we invest in the families, communities and future of New York State.”
To be eligible to receive the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less
- Be pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university
- Complete at least 30 credits per year in an approved program of study
- Live and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years the scholarship was received
To be eligible to receive the Excelsior Scholarship, students who qualify for federal aid must complete the FAFSA and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.
Posted: December 18th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News.