New York Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities available to New York residents, students, and graduates, including the state’s Tuition Assistance Program, the Excelsior Scholarship, and local awards from New York communities, businesses, and organizations.
New York Offers Funding Beyond National Scholarships
In addition to national scholarships, New York students have access to several state-funded aid programs administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), one of the largest need-based state grant programs in the country, and the Excelsior Scholarship, which can help cover remaining tuition costs at SUNY and CUNY schools.
New York students can also find scholarships offered by local community foundations, businesses, and civic organizations across the state. Because state program details, income limits, and funding levels can change, always confirm current requirements directly with HESC.ny.gov, New York’s official student financial aid agency.
New York’s State Scholarship & Grant Programs
New York offers several major state-funded programs for eligible residents. Income limits and award structures can change, so always verify current details before applying.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
A need-based state grant for New York residents attending an eligible New York institution, based on family income, enrollment status, and tuition costs.
Verify current income limits and award details with HESC.ny.gov.
Excelsior Scholarship
A “last-dollar” scholarship that can cover remaining tuition costs at SUNY or CUNY schools after Pell, TAP, and other aid are applied, for students within a set household income limit.
Verify current income limits and enrollment requirements with HESC.ny.gov.
NYS DREAM Act
Opens access to the Excelsior Scholarship, TAP, and other state-administered scholarships to eligible undocumented and other students who meet state residency and education requirements.
Verify current eligibility requirements with HESC.ny.gov.
NYS STEM Incentive Program
A program supporting top-performing New York high school graduates who pursue an approved STEM degree at a SUNY or CUNY institution.
Verify current eligibility requirements with HESC.ny.gov.
Find New York Scholarships for Your Stage of Education
New York scholarship eligibility often depends on where you are in your education. Explore the category that matches your current stage for more specific guidance.
New York High School Students
Scholarships for New York high school students preparing for college.
Explore High School Scholarships →New York College Students
Scholarships for New York undergraduates at SUNY, CUNY, or private institutions.
Explore College Scholarships →New York Graduate Students
Scholarships and fellowships for New York residents pursuing a graduate degree.
Explore Graduate Scholarships →What Makes New York Scholarship Eligibility Different?
New York’s Excelsior Scholarship works differently from a typical scholarship because it is a “last-dollar” award. It only pays the tuition balance remaining after Pell Grants, TAP, and any other scholarships have already been applied, so a student who already has enough aid to cover tuition may receive little or nothing from Excelsior even though their tuition is fully covered overall. Both TAP and the FAFSA must generally be filed before Excelsior can be calculated.
New York’s programs also generally require enrollment at an eligible New York institution, most often a SUNY or CUNY school for Excelsior specifically, along with residency and credit-completion requirements. Local New York scholarships from community foundations, businesses, or civic organizations may add their own requirements as well, so reviewing each opportunity’s exact eligibility criteria is especially important.
Why Your ScholarDollarz Profile Matters
Two New York students may qualify for very different scholarships depending on their household income, intended institution, and residency history. ScholarDollarz uses profile information to help narrow the search toward opportunities that may better fit the student.
How New York Students Can Improve Their Scholarship Search
File the FAFSA and TAP application together
Since Excelsior calculates its award after TAP and Pell are applied, file both the FAFSA and the New York Student Aid Payment Application (TAP) as early as possible.
Understand what “last-dollar” means for Excelsior
Excelsior fills a remaining tuition gap rather than paying out on top of other aid, so don’t assume it adds extra money if your tuition is already fully covered.
Confirm your intended school qualifies
Excelsior generally requires enrollment at a SUNY or CUNY institution, so confirm your intended school is eligible before counting on this funding.
Check with your county and local community foundation
Many New York counties and community foundations maintain local scholarships that are not widely advertised in national scholarship databases.
Keep your profile current as your plans develop
Your household income, intended institution, and education level may change. Updating your profile can help surface new opportunities over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?
TAP is a need-based New York state grant for residents attending an eligible New York institution, based on family income, enrollment status, and tuition costs. Current details are available at HESC.ny.gov.
What is the Excelsior Scholarship, and how is it different from TAP?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a “last-dollar” award that covers remaining tuition at a SUNY or CUNY school after Pell, TAP, and other aid are applied. TAP is a direct need-based grant, while Excelsior only fills whatever tuition gap remains.
Do I need to file the FAFSA for New York state aid?
Yes, most New York state financial aid programs, including TAP and Excelsior, require a completed FAFSA (or DREAM Act application, where applicable) in addition to state-specific applications.
Can undocumented students receive New York state scholarships?
Under the NYS DREAM Act, eligible undocumented and other students who meet state residency and education requirements can access the Excelsior Scholarship, TAP, and other state-administered scholarships.
Is Excelsior available at private New York colleges?
Excelsior is primarily available at SUNY and CUNY schools, along with a small number of statutory colleges at certain private universities. Confirm your intended school’s eligibility before applying.
How often should New York students search for scholarships?
Students should search regularly, since new opportunities appear throughout the year and state program income limits and funding can change over time.
Does ScholarDollarz show every scholarship publicly?
The ScholarDollarz website provides scholarship information, category guidance, and college-planning resources. An account is required to access scholarship search and matching features available through the ScholarDollarz application.
Find Scholarships That Match Your Profile
Create your free ScholarDollarz account and provide information about your New York residency, school, education level, and other profile characteristics to start discovering scholarship opportunities that may fit you.
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