MyTEF

New York State Excelsior Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tuition at New York public colleges and universities free?

In April of 2017, New York State passed the Excelsior Scholarship program. The new program is available for some New York residents, beginning in the Fall 2017 academic semester. The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds are providing the information below as a service to members, but please note that the rules for the new program are established and controlled by New York State. For assistance, please contact your 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund, Greater New York Education Fund or Home Care Industry Education Fund counselor at the phone numbers below.

What is the eligibility criteria?

You must attend college full-time, taking 30 credits per academic year. You can take credits during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, but you must take 30 credits per year and graduate within two years at community colleges and four years at senior colleges.

  • You must attend college full-time, taking 30 credits per academic year. You can take credits during Fall, Spring and Summer, but you must take 30 credits per year and graduate within two years at community colleges and four years at senior colleges.
  • Your family’s adjusted gross income (as filed on your 2015 return) cannot exceed $100,000. For 2018-19, the amount increases to $110,000; in 2019 and thereafter, the maximum family income is $125,000.
  • You must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
  • Transfer students must be on track to graduate within two (2) years of your start date (at your original college) for community colleges and four (4) years for senior colleges.
  • Agree to work and live in New York State after graduation for the same number of years as you received the Excelsior Scholarship.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application for all other possible financial aid.
  • You must have legal residency in New York State for one year prior to your application, and you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

If I am not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, will I still be eligible for 1199SEIU Fund benefits?

Yes, if you were eligible before the inception of this program, nothing has changed. As has always been the case, you must first apply for all financial aid, including the FASFA. You may also be required to apply for the Excelsior Scholarship. The specific rules of your Fund—Home Care Industry Education Fund, Greater New York Education Fund or League Training and Upgrading Fund—remain in effect.

If I am eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, how much do I receive?

Tuition costs at SUNY and CUNY are covered, but not expenses for college fees, books or room and board. Other financial aid awards, such as TAP and Pell Grants, will be deducted from your Excelsior Scholarship.

If I am eligible, can I use my 1199SEIU Fund benefits for other expenses?

It depends on the rules of your specific Fund, but you may be eligible for the cost of college fees not covered by the Excelsior Scholarship. (Colleges often charge fees for technology and other student activities, which are not covered by the Excelsior Scholarship. In some cases, your 1199SEIU benefits might pay for these fees.)

Are graduate students eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship?

No. Your 1199SEIU benefits may cover your graduate school tuition.

What happens if I get the Excelsior Scholarship but do not stay in New York for the required period after graduation?

Your scholarship will convert to a loan, which you must repay in installments.

How do I apply?

The state’s application is not yet ready. However, please see an 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund, Greater New York Education Fund or Home Care Industry Education Fund counselor at the phone numbers below for assistance with the scholarship, financial aid and your 1199SEIU tuition benefits.

If I have an associate’s degree, can I use the Excelsior Scholarship to obtain a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, but the scholarship will only apply to 60 credits. You must be able to transfer 60 credits to the bachelor’s degree program.

Are my children eligible for the New York free-tuition college program?

Maybe. Your children must meet all of the criteria above to be eligible.

For Additional Assistance

1199SEIU members who work at hospitals, nursing homes, health centers or community based organizations, call: (212) 284-9210. 1199SEIU Home Care workers, call: (212) 494-0555.