Does Excelsior make college free?

The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students to earn a free college degree at any City University of New York (CUNY) or State University of New York (SUNY) college.

Is Excelsior college free?

The Excelsior Scholarship provides tuition awards to eligible students attending New York State's public colleges and universities (SUNY and CUNY). This scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY college tuition-free.

Who qualifies for free college in NY?

Leading the Way to College Affordability

Under this groundbreaking program, more than 940,000 middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year will qualify to attend college tuition-free at all CUNY and SUNY two- and four-year colleges in New York State.

What are the cons of the Excelsior Scholarship?

UNSTABLE BENEFITS. Students who qualify for Excelsior benefits receive a valuable financial aid grant – but an unstable one as well. Students must maintain a pace of 30 credit hours per year and remain on track for an on-time graduation or else permanently lose access to the program.

How much does the Excelsior Scholarship cover for SUNY?

The maximum annual Excelsior Scholarship is $5,500, however a tuition credit will be awarded to cover any gap between the maximum Excelsior Scholarship and the cost of annual tuition. Award cannot be applied to non-tuition costs, such as room and board. Excelsior is a “last dollar” award.

FREE COLLEGE - NEW YORK! The Excelsior Scholarship program. Getting your degree tuition free!

How can I go to SUNY for free?

Both new and current CUNY and SUNY students can apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. To be eligible, you must: Be a NY State resident and live in the State for at least 12 continuous months before the term you want to receive the award. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

What is the GPA for Excelsior Scholarship?

There is not a GPA requirement for students to be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship provided they earn thirty (30) credits over the course of a year, however students will need to maintain a GPA that allows for the successful completion of their degree.

What is the controversy with Excelsior College?

In the complaint, filed in a federal district court in New York, 17 former students in Excelsior's associate degree program in nursing from 11 different states say the college sold them “ an 'educational' program that was devoid of any education, and ... an 'objective' test, which was anything but objective.” The ...

Do NY residents get free college?

In 2017, the state of New York's Excelsior Scholarship made headlines when it became the first in the nation to cover four years of tuition without being tethered to academic performance. New York initially said more than 940,000 students with family incomes up to $125,000 could qualify.

Is a degree from Excelsior College respected?

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers.

What is the income limit for free tuition in NY?

The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students. For the 2024-25 academic year, families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2022 are eligible to apply. Excelsior Scholarship - What to know!

What is the acceptance rate for the Excelsior Scholarship?

ALBANY — A study released Friday showed that 32 percent of those who applied for the new Excelsior Scholarship last year were admitted to the program, put forth by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a "free tuition" initiative for students from low-income households.

What happens if you fail a class with the Excelsior Scholarship?

Excelsior Scholarships cannot be used for summer or winter session tuition costs. Students who fail to complete 30 credits within 365 days will receive the first payment (typically fall), however, they will forfeit the second payment (typically spring), and all future payments.

Is Excelsior College a diploma mill?

Excelsior is not a “diploma mill” as some think. It is a non-traditional institution where you can get credit for life experiences, combine credits from different colleges, and use CLEP and GRE's to assist in earning your degree.

Is Excelsior College fully accredited?

As a not-for-profit, private institution of higher education chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, the College is fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the oldest and most respected regional accreditors in the United States.

Does Excelsior cover NYU?

The Excelsior Scholarship & NYS Dream Act, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students.

Who is eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship in NY?

The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students. For the 2024-25 academic year, families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2022 are eligible to apply. Excelsior Scholarship - What to know!

Is Excelsior college a SUNY school?

As are all educational institutions in New York state, Excelsior University is a member of The University of the State of New York.

Do parents have to pay for college in NY?

While New York recognizes the importance of college education, it does not mandate parents to pay for it. The court considers various factors to determine whether to allocate college expenses as part of child support, and the amount is typically based on the parent's financial resources and the child's circumstances.

Is Excelsior College a good college?

Excelsior University is The BEST accredited online college experience you could ever have. The staff is friendly, helpful, and timely. I have learned so much as a student and I am grateful.

What is Excelsior College known for?

Student Life at Excelsior College

The school focuses mainly on technology, business and health sciences degree programs. It also offers Excelsior College Examinations, which are comparable to the DSST or CLEP exams and can be a source of transferable college credit.

What is the class action lawsuit against Excelsior College?

A class-action lawsuit filed against Excelsior College alleges that although the college has an “easy admissions policy,” graduating from its online associate degree in nursing program is difficult by design.

What is the income limit for NYS Excelsior Scholarship?

In AY 2021, the Excelsior Scholarship income eligibility threshold will increase to $135,000 and fully phase in to $150,000 in AY 2022. By increasing this threshold, more than 230,000 New York residents will attend SUNY or CUNY tuition free. The Budget includes $146 million to support this landmark program.

How long do you have to stay in NY after Excelsior Scholarship?

The post-award residency requirement begins when you are no longer receiving an award. You will have up to six months after your last award payment has made before you must live in NYS to fulfill the residency requirement. In addition, if you are working during those years, you must work in New York State.

How many credits will excelsior college accept?

In this program, you may transfer in as many as 113 credits, and then simply complete a cornerstone, capstone, and information literacy course to graduate.