New York students planning to attend college this spring can now apply for tuition-free education through the Excelsior Scholarship.
The state has opened applications for the Spring 2026 Excelsior Scholarship, which allows eligible full-time students at SUNY and CUNY campuses to attend college without paying tuition. Applications will remain open through February 3, 2026.
The program covers tuition costs for students from families earning up to $125,000 a year. It applies to students enrolling in two- or four-year SUNY or CUNY colleges for the spring semester, including those who missed the fall application window.
The Excelsior Scholarship requires students to attend college full time and complete at least 30 credits per year in an approved program. Recipients must also live and work in New York State for the same number of years they receive the scholarship. Students who qualify for federal aid must complete both the FAFSA and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application.
“Each year, the Excelsior Scholarship helps transform the lives of tens of thousands of New York students by making tuition-free college a reality and strengthening affordability across the State,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This program cements our commitment to ensuring every eligible student can earn a degree without the weight of debt.”
State higher education leaders say the program continues to play a key role in access and affordability. New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares called the scholarship “a promise to New York’s students and families that their dreams of a college education are within reach.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the program helps expand opportunity and upward mobility, while CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said it has allowed thousands of students to earn degrees without taking on additional debt.
Since launching in 2017, the Excelsior Scholarship has helped middle-class families afford college while encouraging graduates to stay and work in New York. State officials say the program also strengthens the workforce by keeping educated talent in-state.
Students can apply and find more information at hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.
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