The New York State Excelsior Scholarship is a tuition assistance program available to eligible students who are residents of New York State and attending a SUNY (State University of New York) or CUNY (City University of New York) college. The program was introduced in 2017 as part of the state's initiative to make college education more affordable and accessible to New York residents.
Here are some key points about the Excelsior Scholarship:
Eligibility:
- New York State Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of New York State.
- Family Income: The scholarship is designed for students from families with a household income up to a certain threshold, which is determined annually by the state.
- Academic Requirements: Students must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Scholarship Coverage:
- Tuition Assistance: The Excelsior Scholarship provides tuition assistance to cover the remaining cost of tuition after accounting for other federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships.
- Gap Filling: It fills the "tuition gap" between the cost of tuition and the amount covered by other financial aid sources.
Limitations and Considerations:
- In-State Institutions: The scholarship is available only for SUNY and CUNY colleges, including community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.
- Duration of Support: The scholarship is intended to cover up to four years of undergraduate study, or five years for certain programs that typically require more time, such as those in engineering or architecture.
- Residency Commitment: Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship are required to live and work in New York State after graduation for the same number of years they received the scholarship. If this requirement is not met, the scholarship converts into a loan that must be repaid.
- Other Costs: The Excelsior Scholarship covers only tuition expenses, not other costs associated with attending college, such as fees, books, supplies, or living expenses.
Application Process:
Students interested in the Excelsior Scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. These applications determine eligibility for other financial aid programs and also act as the basis for evaluating Excelsior Scholarship eligibility.
It's important to note that the Excelsior Scholarship has specific guidelines and requirements that may change over time. It's recommended to visit the official Excelsior Scholarship website or contact the financial aid office of the SUNY or CUNY college you plan to attend for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and program details.
Please remember that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the scholarship program since then.
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