New York State Financial Aid at Excelsior University

New York residents may qualify for grant money toward tuition.

New York State offers grant programs to help eligible students reduce the cost of college.
At Excelsior University, the most common programs are:

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) – for eligible undergraduate students

What to Know About TAP

  • TAP helps pay tuition and fee costs only.
  • Award amounts vary based on income and course enrollment.
  • Awards can be up to several thousand dollars per year.
  • TAP is a grant, so it does not need to be repaid.

TAP is administered by New York State and applied by Excelsior University after eligibility is confirmed.

Who Is Eligible for TAP?
You may qualify for TAP if you:

  • Are a legal resident of New York State for 12 continuous months prior to enrolling.
  • Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test.
  • Are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
  • Are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
  • Meet New York State net taxable income limits:
    • Up to $125,000 annually (dependent or with dependents).
    • Lower taxable income limits apply for some independent students.
  • Maintain good academic standing.


 
Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) – for eligible veterans

What to Know About VTA

  • VTA helps cover tuition for eligible veterans.
  • VTA applies to both full-time and part-time study.
  • VTA is a grant, so it does not need to be repaid.

Who Is Eligible for VTA?
VTA is available to veterans who:

  • Are New York State residents.
  • Served during a qualifying period.
  • Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

VTA is administered through New York State and processed after eligibility is confirmed.

These programs help pay tuition costs and do not need to be repaid.

Cómo solicitarlo

Follow these steps to apply for state aid:

  1. Complete the FAFSA.
    Go to https://studentaid.gov for the FAFSA and complete it using Excelsior’s school code: 014251.
  2. Apply for New York State Aid.
    Information about applying for financial aid from New York State is available at https://www.hesc.ny.gov.

    • You will usually be directed to the HESC page after completing the FAFSA.
    • Use Excelsior’s school code: 0999.
  3. Apply and be admitted to an Excelsior degree program.
  4. Submit required documents:
    • High school diploma (or equivalent)
    • TAP Study Plan (provided by Excelsior after you’re admitted)
  5. Register for courses.
    • 12+ credits for full-time TAP
    • 3–11 credits for part-time TAP

After you’ve completed these steps, Excelsior will review your eligibility and process your TAP award.

How State Aid Works at Excelsior

Excelsior offers a flexible structure that works differently from traditional colleges. This approach provides us more ability to support working adults and part-time learners. Instead of requiring all credits in one term, we group courses into two certification periods:

  • Fall Period
    • Summer II, Fall I, Fall II
  • Spring Period
    • Spring I, Spring II, Summer I

This means:

  • You can combine credits across multiple terms.
  • You do not need to take all 12 credits at once.
  • You can build eligibility over time.

What You Need to Stay Eligible

To continue receiving state aid, you must:

  • Take courses that apply to your degree.
  • Complete enough credits within each certification period.
  • Maintain good academic progress.
  • Stay in good standing on any student loans or state aid.
  • Reapply each year through the FAFSA and New York State application process.

  • TAP is available for undergraduate students only.
  • You must complete both the FAFSA and TAP application to receive funding.
  • Missing documents or not enrolling in enough credits may delay or reduce your award.
  • Awards are processed after your eligibility and enrollment are confirmed.

  • VTA is available for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • You must complete both the FAFSA and VTA application to receive funding.
  • Missing documents or not enrolling in enough credits may delay or reduce your award.
  • Duplicative benefits will count against your eligibility (Tuition Assistance, Chapter 31, etc.).
  • Awards are processed after your eligibility and enrollment are confirmed.

Need Help?

We’re here to guide you through the process.

  • Financial Aid Office:

Call us: 855.323.9235
Email us: VAFA@excelsior.edu

Llamar a Ayuda Financiera
Correo electrónico de ayuda financiera