New York State Scholarship Programs

New York State Scholarship Programs
New York State students may be eligible for a variety of State scholarship and award programs to help pay for college. Listed below are just a few scholarships available. To learn more about each one, including eligibility requirements and application information, visit hesc.ny.gov. The Senator Jose Peralta New York State DREAM ACT gives undocumented and other students access to NY State-administered grants and scholarships. Apply at hesc.ny.gov/dream

NYS Excelsior Scholarship

Undergraduates may apply each year for the Excelsior Scholarship for the fall and spring semesters. A recipient of an Excelsior Scholarship is eligible to receive award payments for not more than two years of full-time undergraduate study in a program leading to an associate's degree.

• The Excelsior Scholarship is available to New York state residents who have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less.
• In order to maintain eligibility, students are required to be enrolled in 12 degree-bearing credits per term and complete at least 30 credits applicable to their degree program each year. (Remedial course credits do not count in the required credit load)
• Students and families are strongly encouraged to read and understand all of the regulations associated with the Excelsior Scholarship eligibility requirements. To review all eligibility requirements, visit the HESC Excelsior Scholarship webpage
• To determine the amount of the Excelsior Scholarship, schools must deduct all aid the recipient has or will receive for the semester from tuition rate.

NYS Memorial Scholarship provides financial aid for student in New York State to children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.

NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship program guarantees access to a college education to the families and financial dependents of the victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.

Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships guarantee access to a college education for the families and financial dependents of victims of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 on November 12, 2001.

Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarships provide financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009.

Military Service Recognition Scholarship provides financial aid for study in New York State to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or of a state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while a New York State resident, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.

Scholarships for Academic Excellence are awarded to outstanding graduates from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. For up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State.