Bill > S05653

This bill expands eligibility for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship, a financial aid program for college students, by making several key changes. The bill broadens the scholarship to include part-time students at SUNY and CUNY colleges, as well as students enrolled in BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) or other approved vocational programs. It modifies the credit hour requirements, allowing part-time students to qualify by completing at least twelve credits per year instead of the previous full-time requirement of thirty credits. The income eligibility thresholds are gradually increased, reaching $150,000 by the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship amount is adjusted to provide up to $5,500 for full-time students and $2,750 for part-time students, covering actual tuition costs. The bill also extends the maximum scholarship duration, allowing up to five years of full-time or ten years of part-time study for a four-year degree, and four years of full-time or eight years of part-time study for vocational programs. Importantly, the bill ensures that students will not be penalized if they do not complete their degree within the expected timeframe, and allows for extensions due to circumstances like medical leave or military service. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, aiming to make higher education more accessible and flexible for New York students.