What college expenses does the Excelsior Scholarship cover specifically?

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 much does NY Excelsior Scholarship cover?

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.

Does the Excelsior Scholarship cover textbooks?

The Excelsior Scholarship applies to tuition only and does not cover the other costs of college. To learn more about other college expenses such as fees, room and board, textbooks, and more, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Which is a benefit of the Excelsior college Program?

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?

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.

Excelsior Scholarship - What to know!

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 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 Scholarship only for New York?

You may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, if you are an undergraduate who is a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and reside in New York State for one year prior to enrollment and whose family's adjusted gross income does not exceed $125,000 (in the tax year 2021) and you complete thirty (30) credits per year ...

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 much does Excelsior give you?

How much can I receive from the Excelsior Scholarship? An Excelsior Scholarship recipient can receive up to $5,500 from the Excelsior Scholarship, minus any amounts received for TAP, Pell or other scholarships. The remainder of your tuition charge will be covered through a tuition credit paid through SUNY or CUNY.

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.

Does the Excelsior Scholarship cover study abroad?

Excelsior Scholarship recipients are eligible to use their awards towards tuition whether the study abroad program host school is a public college, private college, located with New York State or outside of New York State or outside of the United States.

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.

How many people use Excelsior Scholarship?

Additionally, only about 25 percent of eligible students take up the Excelsior Scholarship, and only slightly more than half of Excelsior students renew the scholarship for a second year. Among first-year CUNY students, 68 percent of Excelsior dollars flow to students with incomes at or above $70,000.

Who qualifies for free college in NY?

New York initially said more than 940,000 students with family incomes up to $125,000 could qualify. New York's program applies to all schools at the City University of New York and State University of New York.

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.

Are NY state colleges tuition-free?

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.

Is NYU free for New York residents?

President Linda G. Mills has expanded this commitment by announcing the NYU Promise. Starting in Fall 2024, all undergraduates who start as full-time first year students in New York will not have to pay tuition if they have family income under $100,000 and hold typical assets.

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.

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.

What is a passing grade at Excelsior college?

Excelsior University has a basic definition of good academic standing which applies to all enrolled students. This definition requires students to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be considered in good academic standing.

Is Excelsior College credible?

Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Is Excelsior College legit?

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit distance learning institution founded in 1971 focused on providing educational opportunity to adult learners.

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.