Best Scholarships in New York 2026: State Grants, Awards &
Guide to New York scholarships 2026 including Excelsior Program, TAP, and SUNY merit awards for state residents.
Best Scholarships in New York 2026
New York offers two major programs supporting college access: the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for low-income residents and the Excelsior Program providing tuition-free college for middle-income families.
New York State Scholarships
| Program | Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Excelsior Scholarship | Full tuition (SUNY schools) | Family income under $125,000, NY residents |
| TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) | $1,000-$5,500/year | NY residents, financial need, SUNY/CUNY/private |
| Scholarship for Academic Excellence | $500-$6,000 | Regents exams top scorers, merit-based |
| NYS Grant Program | $1,000-$4,500 | NY resident, financial need |
| SUNY Excellence Merit Scholarships | $5,000-$25,000+ | Top academic credentials, SUNY enrollment |
| Teacher Loan Forgiveness (NY) | Up to $17,500 | Teachers in underserved schools, 5+ years |
Columbia University, NYU, and Cornell provide institutional aid with no-loan financial packages. SUNY schools offer extensive merit scholarships. NYC foundations provide substantial local funding—Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Rochester Community Foundation, Syracuse Community Foundation all administer scholarships.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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