Applications are open for New York State's Excelsior Scholarship, through which students from families that earn up to $125,000 in annual, adjusted gross income can attend two or four-year public colleges in the state tuition-free.
Students who earn the scholarship must commit to completing 30 credits each academic year and must stay on track to graduate with an associate's degree within two years or a bachelor's degree within four years. The scholarship does not cover housing or meal plans.
"It is critical that we provide New York's students every possible opportunity to climb the ladder of success," New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement. "The Excelsior Scholarship helps ensure a college education is attainable to all, especially for low-income students who face financial inequities that put them at a disadvantage. I am proud to support programs that tear down barriers to higher education and provide every New Yorker a chance to pursue a quality education."
According to Governor Hochul's office, more than 190,000 students have received Excelsior Scholarships since the program was established in 2017. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31.