Governor Hochul announces opening of Excelsior Scholarship applications for students planning to attend college in the spring 2026 semester

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that applications are now open for the Excelsior Scholarship for students planning to attend college during the spring 2026 semester, marking another step in New York State’s ongoing effort to make higher education more affordable and accessible for families across the state. The opening of the spring application provides a new opportunity for eligible students enrolling full-time at SUNY or CUNY campuses, including those who may have missed the fall application window.

The Excelsior Scholarship, first launched in 2017, has become a cornerstone of New York’s approach to college affordability. By covering tuition costs at public colleges and universities, the program aims to remove one of the biggest financial barriers students face when pursuing a degree. The spring 2026 application is open to students attending two- or four-year SUNY and CUNY institutions who meet eligibility requirements and are committed to completing their studies on a full-time basis.

“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 Hochul said. “This program cements our commitment to ensuring every eligible student can earn a degree without the weight of debt. When we invest in our students, we invest in the families, communities and future of New York State.”

State officials say the spring application is especially important for students whose circumstances may have changed since the fall or who were unable to apply earlier. By reopening the process for the spring semester, the state hopes to ensure that no eligible student is left behind due to timing or administrative challenges.

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To qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet several key criteria. Students must have a combined federal household adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less and must be pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university. In addition, recipients are required to complete at least 30 credits per academic year in an approved program of study, helping to keep students on track toward timely graduation.

Another important requirement of the program is its post-graduation commitment. Students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship must live and work in New York State for a period equal to the number of years they received the award. State leaders say this provision helps strengthen the state’s workforce and ensures that the public investment in education benefits New York communities in the long term.

Students who qualify for federal financial aid are also required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, as well as the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application. These steps allow the state to determine eligibility and ensure that Excelsior funds are applied after other forms of aid, maximizing support for students while managing program costs.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, which administers the Excelsior Scholarship, plays a central role in processing applications and supporting students through the financial aid system. HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares emphasized the broader mission behind the program and its impact on families statewide.

“Every application we process, and every student we support, brings us closer to a future where tuition-free college is not just an aspiration but a reality,” Dr. Linares said. “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education, the Excelsior Scholarship continues to transform lives across New York. Excelsior is more than just a scholarship; it’s a promise to New York’s students and families that their dreams of a college education are within reach, and HESC is proud to make that promise a reality.”

Leaders from both SUNY and CUNY echoed those sentiments, highlighting the role the scholarship has played in expanding opportunity and supporting upward mobility for students from a wide range of backgrounds. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the program has helped countless New Yorkers pursue degrees that open doors to better jobs and long-term stability.

“The Excelsior Scholarship has helped advance affordability and upward mobility by empowering New Yorkers to pursue better opportunities through earning a college degree,” King said. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state leaders for their staunch support of student financial aid, including this program. We will continue our efforts to ensure that every New Yorker has access to a world-class, affordable education that helps them pursue their dreams and unleash their full potential.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees also praised the continued expansion of the program, noting that its benefits extend beyond individual students. According to the board, the requirement that recipients remain in New York after graduation strengthens the state economy and helps build a skilled workforce across diverse industries.

“Thanks to Governor Hochul, New Yorkers will be able to take advantage of the Excelsior Scholarship and pursue a world-class, affordable education at SUNY campuses throughout the state,” the SUNY Board of Trustees said. “This opportunity not only empowers students, but the Excelsior Scholarship also helps the state economy through having recipients live, work, and stay right here in New York. We commend Governor Hochul on this effort and thank her for her leadership and support of SUNY.”

At CUNY, where many students balance academics with work and family responsibilities, the Excelsior Scholarship has been a critical tool in reducing financial stress and keeping students enrolled. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said the program aligns closely with the university system’s long-standing focus on affordability and access.

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“For nearly a decade, the Excelsior Scholarship has been an important piece of CUNY’s commitment to affordability, ensuring that thousands can earn a high-quality degree without taking on additional debt and step confidently into their futures,” Rodríguez said. “We strongly encourage eligible CUNY students to apply for the scholarship, and we thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering support for public higher education. Our state’s continued investment in opportunities like Excelsior helps keep higher education within reach for all New Yorkers.”

Since its creation, the Excelsior Scholarship has helped tens of thousands of students attend college tuition-free at SUNY and CUNY institutions. State officials say the program has been particularly impactful for middle-class families who may not qualify for need-based aid but still struggle with rising college costs. By covering tuition after other aid is applied, Excelsior fills a critical gap in the financial aid system.

Applications for the spring 2026 Excelsior Scholarship will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Students interested in applying can find eligibility details and application materials through the Higher Education Services Corporation.

HESC remains a major force in supporting college access across New York. Each year, the agency assists nearly 300,000 students by providing more than $935 million in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits. Its portfolio includes more than 30 programs designed to support students at different stages of their educational journey, including the Tuition Assistance Program and the Excelsior Scholarship.

As the spring 2026 application period opens, state leaders are urging eligible students and families to apply as early as possible. For many, the Excelsior Scholarship represents not only financial relief, but a pathway to opportunity, stability, and a future rooted in New York State.