How to Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship — It's Not Through FAFSA

You apply for the Excelsior Scholarship separately from FAFSA, through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)

The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York State program, not a federal one, so it does not run through FAFSA. You must submit a separate application directly to HESC. However, you will need your FAFSA information — specifically your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) — to complete the Excelsior application, because the program uses it to determine whether you meet the income limits.

The application opens each year in spring, typically in April or May. You apply online through the HESC website at hesc.ny.gov. The deadline is usually in early summer, though it varies by year. If you miss the deadline, you cannot receive the scholarship for that academic year.

Key Takeaways

You must file FAFSA first, because Excelsior uses your FAFSA data to verify your income and determine whether you meet the program's limits.
The Excelsior application is submitted separately through HESC's website, not through FAFSA or your school's financial aid office.
Your household income cannot exceed $125,000 per year to be considered for the scholarship.
You must be a New York State resident, attend a SUNY or CUNY school full-time, and maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep the award.
The scholarship covers tuition only — not room, board, books, or fees — and the amount depends on your income and the cost of tuition at your school.

What the Excelsior Scholarship actually covers

The Excelsior Scholarship pays tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools for students whose household income does not exceed $125,000 per year. The amount you receive depends on your income level and the tuition cost at your specific school. Students from households earning less than $55,000 per year receive the largest awards; those between $55,000 and $125,000 receive smaller amounts based on a sliding scale.

The scholarship covers tuition only. It does not pay for room and board, books, supplies, fees, or other costs. If you receive other grants or scholarships, Excelsior may be reduced so that your total aid does not exceed your tuition bill. You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress — usually a 2.0 GPA — to keep the award from year to year.

How to use your FAFSA information in the Excelsior application

When you apply for Excelsior, you will need your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), which was called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) before 2022. This number tells HESC what your family is expected to contribute toward college costs. HESC uses it to verify your household income and determine whether you fall within the $125,000 limit.

You can find your SAI on your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR), which you receive after submitting FAFSA. You can also log back into your FAFSA account at fafsa.gov to view it. When you fill out the Excelsior application, you will enter this number so HESC can cross-check your income information. If there is a mismatch between what you reported to FAFSA and what you report to Excelsior, the program may ask for additional documentation.

Timing: when to file FAFSA and when to apply for Excelsior

File FAFSA first. The FAFSA window opens October 1 each year and closes June 30. You need your FAFSA processed and your SAI available before you can complete the Excelsior application. Most students file FAFSA between October and February, which gives them time to receive their SAI before the Excelsior deadline in spring.

The Excelsior application typically opens in April and closes in early June, though exact dates change each year. Check the HESC website in March to confirm the current year's deadline. If you file FAFSA late — say, in May — you may still have time to apply for Excelsior, but you are cutting it close. If you miss the Excelsior deadline, you cannot receive the scholarship for that academic year.

Income limits and other requirements you must meet

Your household income cannot exceed $125,000 per year. HESC verifies this using your FAFSA data and may ask for tax documents or other proof of income. If your income is above $125,000, you are not may be able to access, even if you have other financial need.

You must also be a New York State resident, attend a SUNY or CUNY school as a full-time student, and be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen. You cannot have a bachelor's degree already. If you are enrolled part-time, you do not may have access to. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress — at minimum a 2.0 GPA — each semester to keep the scholarship. If your GPA drops below 2.0, you lose the award and cannot reapply.

What happens if you receive other scholarships or grants

If you receive other scholarships, grants, or aid, Excelsior is reduced so that your total aid does not exceed your tuition bill. For example, if your tuition is $6,500 and you receive a $2,000 private scholarship, Excelsior will pay $4,500 instead of $6,500. This is called a "gap" — the program fills the gap between what other aid covers and what tuition costs.

You must report all other aid to HESC when you apply and update them if your aid changes during the year. If you do not report other scholarships and HESC finds out later, they may reduce or cancel your Excelsior award and ask you to repay the overpayment.

How to submit your Excelsior application

Go to hesc.ny.gov and look for the Excelsior Scholarship application link. You will need your FAFSA Student Aid Index, your New York State ID or driver's license number, and information about your school and program. The application is online only — there is no paper option.

After you submit, HESC will send you a confirmation email. Processing takes several weeks. HESC will notify you by mail or email whether you were awarded the scholarship. If you are awarded it, the money goes directly to your school's financial aid office, not to you. Your school applies it to your tuition bill at the start of each semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file FAFSA to apply for Excelsior?

Yes. HESC uses your FAFSA Student Aid Index to verify your income and determine whether you meet the $125,000 household income limit. You cannot complete the Excelsior application without it. File FAFSA first, then apply for Excelsior once you have your SAI.

What if I file FAFSA late and miss the Excelsior deadline?

You cannot receive Excelsior for that academic year. The deadline is firm. Plan to file FAFSA by February or March so you have time to apply for Excelsior before the spring deadline. Check hesc.ny.gov each year for the exact dates.

Can I apply for Excelsior if I attend a private college in New York?

No. Excelsior only covers tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools. If you attend a private college, you are not may be able to access, even if it is in New York State. You may be may be able to access for other New York State grants, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), depending on your income and school.

What if my household income is above $125,000?

You are not may be able to access for Excelsior. The income limit is strict and does not have exceptions. You may be may be able to access for other aid through FAFSA, such as federal loans or grants, depending on your circumstances.

Can I keep Excelsior if my GPA drops below 2.0?

No. You must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester to keep the scholarship. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you lose the award and cannot reapply. Talk to your school's academic support services if you are struggling with coursework.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.