financial-aidscholarshipsNew York
New York TAP & Excelsior Scholarship Guide 2026: Free CUNY/SUNY Tuition Explained
G
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
March 2, 2026
Excelsior makes CUNY/SUNY free for families under $125K. TAP adds up to $5,665/year. How to stack both for maximum aid.
New York's Two Big Programs
New York has two major state aid programs that, combined, can make public college completely free.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
- Award: Up to $5,665/year for full-time students
- Income limit: Net taxable income under $80,000
- Where: Any approved NY college (CUNY, SUNY, and many private schools)
- Requirements: Full-time enrollment (12+ credits), maintain good academic standing
- How to apply: Complete FAFSA, then fill out the separate TAP application at hesc.ny.gov
TAP is need-based and doesn't require a specific GPA to start. It covers tuition at most CUNY community colleges entirely.
Excelsior Scholarship
- Award: Covers remaining tuition after TAP and other aid (last-dollar scholarship)
- Income limit: Adjusted gross income under $125,000
- Where: CUNY and SUNY schools only
- Requirements: Full-time (12+ credits), complete 30 credits per year, be a NYS resident
- Post-graduation: Must live and work in NYS for the same number of years you received the scholarship
How They Stack
| Aid Source | Amount | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Up to $7,395 | First layer |
| NY TAP | Up to $5,665 | Tuition gap |
| Excelsior | Remaining tuition | Last dollar |
| Total | Full tuition + surplus |
For a CUNY community college student ($5,170/year tuition): Pell alone covers full tuition with $2,225 left for books. TAP and Excelsior provide additional coverage for senior college tuition.
CUNY ASAP — Beyond Tuition
For community college students, CUNY ASAP provides:
- Tuition gap coverage
- Free textbooks
- Unlimited MetroCards (subway/bus)
- Intensive academic advising
- ASAP students graduate at double the rate of non-ASAP students
How to Apply
- File FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- Complete TAP application at hesc.ny.gov
- Excelsior is evaluated automatically — no separate application
- Apply for ASAP through your CUNY community college