Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a CUNY or SUNY college tuition-free.

Eligibility

For more information on eligibility requirements, award amounts, application requirements, and deadline visit HESC Scholarship and the York College Financial Aid. Still have questions?! Please visit Excelsior Scholarship FAQs.

Staying On-Track Academically

You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward your degree program through continuous study with no break in enrollment except for certain reasons that can be documented.
If you attended college prior to the 2021-2022 academic year, have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward your degree program prior to applying for an Excelsior Scholarship.

Catching up on Credits

A student who is not on track to complete a Bachelor’s degree in four consecutive years (which requires completion of the equivalent of 30 credits each academic year) can catch up on missing credits to become eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship. You can catch up on missing credits during the summer and winter sessions.

Example:

Fall (15 credits -12 credits with/Winter) Winter (pay out of pocket)
Spring (15 credits -12 credits with/Summer) Summer (pay out of pocket)

Spring (15 credits -12 credits with/Summer) Summer (pay out of pocket)
Fall (15 credits - 12 credits with/Winter) Winter (pay out of pocket)

If you successfully earn additional credits during a term or an academic year and get back on track, you will maintain your Excelsior Scholarship eligibility for the remainder of your undergraduate degree program.

Completion Coaching Sessions

Completion Coaching Sessions provide Excelsior Scholarship recipients opportunities to meet one-on-one with the Excelsior Scholarship Liaison to:

discuss scholarship status and academic progress
review and/or revise a long-term educational plan
engage in major and career exploration
plan for the future

To schedule your session email Excelsior@york.cuny.edu or call 718-262-2280.

Excelsior Scholarship Workshop

Learn more about the Excelsior Scholarship and the resources available to help you stay on track. Scholars are invited to participate in Excelsior Scholarship Workshop. For more information, email Excelsior@york.cuny.edu or review the Excelsior Scholarship Workshop Presentation.