Excelsior Scholarship

This application is used to establish your eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship. If additional documentation is required, you will be instructed to submit it electronically.

Welcome to the online application for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship program.

This application is for students looking to receive a first-time award for the 2025-26 academic year.

Applicants who first enrolled in college prior to 2022 (prior to 2021 if in an approved 5-year program or in an opportunity program) are not eligible for an Excelsior scholarship and should not submit an application. Visit www.hesc.ny.gov to learn about other NYS scholarships that may be available.

Please note: if you are already a recipient of an Excelsior Scholarship from a previous application period, you do not need to complete this application. You are a recipient if you signed and submitted the Excelsior Scholarship contract, even if you did not receive payment in the prior year.

The full list of the Excelsior Scholarship Award eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior-scholarship-program.