Published July 2017. Financial aid and student loan rules change often, so some details may be out of date. Ask us about your situation.
If you want to have a chance at receiving free tuition at a SUNY or CUNY college this fall through New York’s free college program, you’d better get moving.
The deadline to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship is July 21, 2017, so you must apply by then in order to be eligible.
New York’s free college program deadline
Note that this only applies to students seeking free college tuition at a New York state public college for 2017-18. This does not apply to students interested in the Enhanced TAP award to attend a private college.
Applying will not guarantee your enrollment in the program. You must be a New York state resident and meet several requirements, and your family’s income must not exceed $100,000 (this limit will go up in future years).
Also, depending on how many eligible students apply, the state may have to hold a lottery to determine who receives the scholarship.
If you’re interested in getting the free college tuition scholarship for 2017-18, you should apply ASAP to maximize your chances of receiving it.