How many people use Excelsior Scholarship?

The 20,086 students who received Excelsior in Fall 2017 are a sizable group, yet they only represent 3.2% of the state's total population of SUNY and CUNY students, which exceeds 630,000. Excelsior is barely a presence on some campuses.

How many people get nys Excelsior Scholarship?

Thanks to New York State's generous higher education funding programs, in 2021-22, more than 263,000 students received state financial aid, including approximately 30,000 students who attended a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free because of the Excelsior Scholarship.

What are the chances of getting the Excelsior Scholarship?

At ten CUNY schools, fewer than 2 percent of enrolled students received funds. At three CUNY community colleges, fewer than 61 students obtained an award. Overall, of the seven community colleges in New York City, just 820 students received an Excelsior Scholarship this year.

What are the cons of the Excelsior Scholarship?

Excelsior has become the leading example of a post-graduation residency restriction in a free college program because it requires students to live and work exclusively in New York for as many years as they receive the award.

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.

Excelsior Scholarship - What to know!

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.

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

If you do not earn 30 credit hours each year you will lose the Excelsior Scholarship and may not be able to reinstate it. After graduation, you must live and be employed (if working) in New York State for the number of years you received the scholarship.

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 ...

What is one criticism 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.

What is the income limit for free college in NY?

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 does it take to hear from Excelsior Scholarship?

Q: When will I be notified of my actual Excelsior award? Award amounts should become available in August and are released on a rolling basis. Students will be notified as their awards become available as well as any necessary aid adjustments.

What is the acceptance rate for Excelsior College?

The Excelsior acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, and Business. Excelsior alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $54,700.

Who qualifies for free college in NY?

Be pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree. Attend school full time. Earn $125,000 or less (household federal adjusted gross income) Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.

How much does the Excelsior Scholarship cover for SUNY?

Award Amount*

The Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining tuition expenses up to $5,500. In instances where tuition expenses exceed the total financial aid a recipient is awarded, a tuition credit will be applied to the remaining balance.

How many students attend Excelsior College?

The total enrollment at Excelsior College in 2021, both undergraduate and graduate, is 17,166 students. The full-time enrollment at Excelsior College is 0 and the part-time enrollment is 17,166.

Is the Excelsior Scholarship competitive?

Excelsior's eligibility criteria and application process make it hard to access. Urban's analysis shows that a low percentage of eligible students receive the award. Approximately 25 percent of eligible first-year students receive the award, with lower rates for Black, Hispanic, and community college students.

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.

Who funds Excelsior Scholarship?

The New York State Excelsior Scholarship is a state funded scholarship program designed to support full-time undergraduate students from working and middle income households who are on track for on-time degree completion. The Excelsior Scholarship is administered by Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

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.

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 Scholarship only for SUNY schools?

Applications Accepted Through February 2, 2024

The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid, allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college tuition-free.

What happens if you move out of New York 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.

Do you have to stay in New York after Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship requires recipients, upon graduation, to live and, if employed, work in New York State for as many years as the aid was received. Failure to do so could trigger the grant converting to a loan.

Can you get a refund from Excelsior Scholarship?

Excelsior Refund Request

Students needing a refund based on the Excelsior Scholarship and or Excelsior Tuition Credit estimates must request the refund using the Refund Request-Excelsior form. The Excelsior scholarship eligibility requirements may be found online at NYS Higher Education Services Corporation.