The Excelsior Scholarship

Affordable excellence has long been the cornerstone of a SUNY Cortland education.

Through New York State’s Excelsior Scholarship program, middle-class families are eligible to earn tuition benefits. The goal is to ensure that New York’s students have access to a quality education and the skills they need to succeed.

Please visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website for the most current information.

Learn more about the Excelsior Scholarship

Eligibility requirements

  • Family household adjusted gross income must not exceed $125,000 for applicants
  • New York State residency
  • Earn 30 credits per year and make progress toward graduation
  • Good academic standing
  • Graduate on time with a bachelor’s degree in four years

Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship

Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation's website to learn more about the program.

Excelsior Scholarship FAQs

When can I apply for the award?

Please consult the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website for the most current application dates and deadlines.

What does it mean to be a New York State resident for the purposes of this award?

To be considered a New York State resident for purposes of receiving this award, you must have resided in New York for 12 continuous months prior to the term for which the award is being sought.

How much can I receive from the Excelsior Scholarship?

An Excelsior Scholarship recipient can receive up to $5,500 from the Excelsior Scholarship, minus any amounts received for TAP, Pell or other scholarships. The remainder of your tuition charge will be covered through a tuition credit paid through SUNY.

How much income can my family earn to be eligible for the award?

Your family’s adjusted gross income can total up to $125,000.

Are current SUNY Cortland students eligible for the award?

Yes. Students who are currently attending SUNY Cortland are eligible to receive an award, provided they are currently on track to complete their degree on time.

Can I receive the Excelsior Scholarship if I’m a transfer student?

A student who transfers to SUNY Cortland is eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship if he or she is on track to complete his or her degree on time.

How long can I receive the award?

You are eligible to get an award for up to four years for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students in an undergraduate program of study normally requiring five years are eligible to receive the award for five years.

Do I need a certain grade point average to receive or keep the award?

Award recipients need to earn a passing grade to maintain their Excelsior Scholarship and they must earn a total of 30 credits over the course of a year. Recipients may have other awards which also carry academic standards that differ from those required for the Excelsior Scholarship.

Is it possible to lose the Excelsior Scholarship after I receive it?

Students can lose the scholarship if they do not continue to meet all of the eligibility requirements. For example, they must enroll in at least 12 credits per term and complete 30 credits per year to continue to receive the scholarship.

If I completed my associate’s degree, can I receive this award to earn a SUNY Cortland degree?

Yes, provided the university has accepted all of the credits you earned in completing your associate’s degree and you meet all other requirements for the Excelsior Scholarship.

Are there other requirements that I must meet after I complete my degree?

Yes. You must live in New York State for the number of years equal to awards you received. For example, if you received four Excelsior Scholarship awards while earning your bachelor’s degree, you must live in New York state for four years after college. In addition, if you are working during those years, you must work in New York state. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the conversion of your award to a loan.

I already earned a bachelors degree. Can I receive the scholarship to pursue a second one?

Applicants who have an associate’s degree are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, you may not receive an award to pursue a second associate’s or a second bachelor’s degree.

Contact us

Financial Aid Office
Miller Bldg, Room 209
P.O. Box 2000
Cortland, NY 13045

financial.aid@cortland.edu
Phone: 607-753-4717
Fax: 607-753-5990