The Excelsior Scholarship 2027 is a New York State-funded program designed to help eligible students pursue undergraduate studies at public universities in the United States with reduced or fully covered tuition costs. It primarily supports students attending SUNY and CUNY institutions, with an additional pathway through the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) for selected private colleges.
This overview outlines the scholarship details, eligibility conditions, benefits, academic requirements, and application process.
2027 Excelsior Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Study Abroad: Study in America
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
- Eligible Countries: All Nationalities (subject to program rules)
- Reward: Full or Partial Tuition Coverage
- Funding Body: New York State (HESC)
- Deadline: 31 August 2026
2027 Excelsior Scholarship Details
The Excelsior Scholarship is managed by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and funded by New York State. It is aimed at supporting middle-income families by reducing the cost of higher education.
Eligible students from households earning up to $125,000 annually can study at public institutions such as SUNY and CUNY without paying tuition fees after other financial aid is applied. The program is part of New York State’s broader effort to expand access to affordable higher education and reduce student debt.
The Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) extends similar support to students attending participating private institutions within New York State, offering additional financial assistance for tuition coverage.
Eligible Fields of Study
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Business Administration
- Finance and 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
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship 2027, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (for applicable ETA pathways)
- Have a household income of $125,000 or less
- Enroll full-time in a SUNY or CUNY institution
- Complete at least 30 credits per academic year
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Complete an associate degree in about 2 years or a bachelor’s degree in about 4 years
For the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA), applicants must also:
- Reside in New York State for at least 12 months before enrollment
- Enroll in a participating private college in New York State
- Commit to required post-study residency or work conditions in New York State
Benefits of Excelsior Scholarship 2027
- Full tuition coverage at eligible SUNY and CUNY institutions
- Financial support for eligible private colleges under ETA
- Reduced reliance on student loans
- Access to affordable undergraduate education pathways
- State-funded financial assistance during study periods
- Broader access to higher education opportunities
Required Academic Commitments
- Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and consistently complete required credit loads each academic year.
- Students must also remain on track for timely graduation and continue meeting eligibility requirements throughout the program duration.
How to Apply for Excelsior Scholarship 2027
To apply, candidates should:
- Apply for admission into a SUNY, CUNY, or participating private institution
- Complete the Excelsior Scholarship application through the official New York State portal
- Submit required financial aid documents, including FAFSA where applicable
- Ensure compliance with academic and credit requirements
- Monitor application updates through the scholarship system
📋 Required Documents
- Completed NYS TAP Application Form
- All College Transcripts
- New York State income tax return(s)
- Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Completed Excelsior Scholarship Application Form
- Documentation showing any pension income received by the applicant or the applicant's parent
- Most recent pay stub for their surviving or custodial parent
- Documentation showing any pension income received by the applicant or the applicant's parent