Unlocking Higher Education: Understanding the Excelsior Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

The escalating cost of tuition poses a significant challenge for many families, making higher education seem increasingly out of reach. The Excelsior Scholarship Program emerges as a beacon of hope, a New York State initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students from working and middle-class families pursuing their academic dreams at the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). This scholarship aims to alleviate the burden of tuition costs, paving the way for a debt-free or near debt-free college experience.

What the Excelsior Scholarship Covers

It's crucial to understand the scope of the Excelsior Scholarship. It is specifically designed to cover tuition expenses only. This means that other costs associated with college, such as room and board, textbooks, and fees, are not covered by the scholarship.

If a student is a recipient of other forms of financial aid, such as federal or New York State grants or scholarships (including the Pell Grant and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)), these funds must be applied to tuition costs first. The Excelsior Scholarship then steps in to cover any remaining tuition expenses. In cases where other aid sources fully cover tuition, the student may not receive an Excelsior Scholarship award.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Excelsior Scholarship, prospective students must meet a series of specific eligibility criteria:

Residency and Citizenship

Applicants must have resided in New York State for at least 12 months prior to the start of the academic term. Additionally, they must be either United States citizens or eligible non-citizens.

Academic Standing

Students must possess a high school diploma or have successfully completed an Ability to Benefit test approved by the government. They must also be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college.

Income Threshold

The applicant's family's federal adjusted gross income (AGI) must not exceed $125,000. This income threshold was in effect for the tax year 2022.

Enrollment Status and Credit Requirements

Full-time enrollment is mandatory, requiring students to register for at least 12 credits per semester. Furthermore, students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credits per academic year, encompassing fall, spring, and summer semesters. All credits earned must be applicable to the student's chosen degree program. Credits earned in high school may count toward the combined annual thirty credits if they are accepted toward the student's program of study.

Financial Aid Applications

Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. In the initial application year, they must also complete the TAP application. In subsequent years, the New York State Student Aid Payment Application must be completed.

Maintaining Eligibility

Eligibility is reviewed every semester to ensure that students continue to meet the requirements of the program. To continue receiving the Excelsior Scholarship, students must maintain full-time enrollment and successfully complete 30 credits toward their degree each academic year.

Read also: Excelsior Eligibility

Residency Requirement After Graduation

A critical component of the Excelsior Scholarship is the post-graduation residency requirement. Recipients must agree to live and be employed (if working) in New York State for the same number of years that they received the scholarship. Failure to comply with this residency requirement results in the scholarship converting into a zero-interest loan.

However, the scholarship does not revert to a loan if the student becomes ineligible and loses the scholarship while continuing their undergraduate work prior to graduation.

Duration of the Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship can be received for up to 2 years for students pursuing an Associate’s degree and up to 4 years for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Students in five-year programs may be eligible to have all five years covered.

Transfer Students

Students who have earned an associate's degree are eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship when pursuing a bachelor's degree, provided that the college they are attending accepts all of the credits earned during their associate degree program and they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Catching Up on Credits

Students who fall behind in their studies and are not on track to complete an associate's degree in two consecutive years or a bachelor's degree in four consecutive years can regain eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship by catching up on missing credits. This typically involves completing the equivalent of 30 credits each academic year.

The Scholarship's Impact on Other Aid

The Excelsior Scholarship is designed to be a "last dollar" award, meaning that it is applied after all other forms of financial aid have been disbursed. This ensures that the scholarship covers any remaining tuition costs for eligible students.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a variety of scholarships to support its students. These scholarships are often established by alumni, faculty, and other supporters of the university. Here are some examples of these scholarships:

Betty Geiger Endowed Scholarship: Supports Excelsior students who are single parents with financial need. This fund was established by Alumni Leadership Council member Pat Geiger to honor his late wife Betty Geiger, whose legacy as an amazing mother, grandmother, and mentor will remain in our hearts forever.
Brigadier General Jerry L. and Judy A. Neff Endowed Scholarship: Supports students in Excelsior’s RN to BS in Nursing program who have financial need, and is awarded to support Excelsior’s goal of promoting a diverse student body, which is key to its mission. This fund was established by alumnus and chair emeritus Jerry L. Neff and his wife, Judy A.
Camille P. Abood RN to BS in Nursing Scholarship: Supports students in Excelsior’s RN to BS in Nursing program who have financial need, and is awarded to support Excelsior’s goal of promoting a diverse student body, which is key to its mission. Each applicant’s qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Carole M. Hyatt Scholarship: Supports students in Excelsior’s RN to BS in Nursing program who have financial need, and is awarded to support Excelsior’s goal of promoting a diverse student body, which is key to its mission. Each applicant’s qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Karen A. Smith Scholarship: This fund was established by employee Karen A.
Arthur J. Gregg Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by Arthur J. Gregg, chair emeritus of the Board of Trustees, and trustee emeritus Robert E.
Chief of Police (Retired) Robert P. Donovan Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by alumnus and former faculty member Robert P.
Colonel William C. and Barbara H. Darling Scholarship: This fund was established by former trustee Jack M.
Dana E. and Barry J. Glick Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by alumna and former trustee Elizabeth L. Bewley in memory of her professor, David W.
David W. Horgan Scholarship: This fund was established by alumna and former trustee Elizabeth L. Bewley in memory of her professor, David W.
Dr. Jane LeClair Technology Scholarship: This fund was established by alumna and former employee Jane LeClair to support scholarships for students in any technology program.
Dr. Richard L. Leveroni Scholarship: This fund was established by James McNerney in memory of alumnus and faculty member Dr. Richard L. Leveroni to support scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Excelsior’s liberal arts program with preference given to students in the master’s program.
Elizabeth Jaunal Scholarship: This fund was established by alumnus and former trustee Garry Jaunal and his wife, Bridget Jaunal, in memory of his mother, Elizabeth.
Ewald B. Nyquist Scholarship: This fund was established by the Edward B.
George I. Alden Trust Scholarship: This fund was established by The George I. Alden Trust and Willard A.
Honorable Bryanne A. Hamill ’95 Scholarship: This fund was established by alumna and former trustee The Honorable Bryanne A.
Fred L. Emerson Foundation Scholarship: This fund was established by the Fred L.
James N. Baldwin Scholarship: This fund was established by the Excelsior University Board of Trustees as a gift from the Excelsior University community to James N. Baldwin upon his retirement as president. The scholarship fund was created in recognition of Baldwin’s commitment to ensuring educational opportunity for adult learners so they can complete their degrees. The scholarship is to be awarded to two students annually and will cover the cost of tuition and technology fees for one course for each student.
John F. and Julia O. May Endowed Scholarship: This fund supports scholarships for students pursuing a degree in registered professional nursing.
Laura J. and John F. Eberhardt Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by John F.
Lieutenant General Joseph S. and Anita L. Laposata Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by former trustee Joseph S. Laposata and his wife, Anita L.
Lois G. and William T. Moran Scholarship for Military Spouses: This fund was established by alumnus and former trustee William T. Moran and his wife, Lois G. This fund supports scholarships for spouses of active-duty military servicemembers. Please send in a copy of your Military Spouse ID card for consideration.
Lois G. and William T. Moran Nursing Scholarship: This fund supports scholarships for students enrolled in associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree nursing programs who demonstrate financial need.
Lt. Col. Charles A. Pesnicak Sr. Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by trustee emeritus Lawrence E. Vertucci and his wife, G.
Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg Endowed Scholarship: This fund was established by Alicia Collier on behalf of the estate of Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, a founding trustee and loyal supporter of Excelsior University.
Master Chief Electronics Warfare Technician Donald J. Trumpolt Scholarship: This fund supports scholarships for students enrolled in associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree nursing programs who demonstrate financial need.
Master Sergeant David K. Thuma Memorial Scholarship: This fund was established by alumnus Michael Jefferson and other servicemembers in memory of their fellow servicemember, David K.
Michael J. and Lois G. Moran Scholarship for Military: This fund was established by alumnus and former trustee William T. Moran and his wife, Lois G. military personnel should not be excluded, preference will be given to those who do not have other educational benefits available to them.
Rev. Roy L. and John F. May Scholarship: This fund was established by Rev. and John F. May to support scholarships for students with financial need.
Roy L. and Eleanor B. Swift Scholarship: This fund was established by former trustee and former faculty member Roy L.
Shelia and Danny Scott Scholarship: This fund was established by alumnus Danny Scott ’01, ’02 and alumna Shelia Scott ’03 to support scholarships for students with financial need.
Thomas C. Moran Scholarship: This fund was established by Patrick J. Moran in memory of Thomas C.
Honorable Bryanne A. Hamill ’95 Scholarship for U.S. Armed Services: This fund was established by alumna and former trustee The Honorable Bryanne A. Thomas C.

Navigating the Residency Requirement

Before applying for the Excelsior Scholarship, students should carefully consider their future plans and their willingness to reside and work in New York State after graduation. The residency requirement is a significant commitment, and failure to fulfill it can result in the scholarship converting to a loan.

Application Timing

The Excelsior Scholarship application typically opens in December for the following academic year.

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