Bill > S05795

This bill expands the Excelsior Scholarship program to include students enrolled in public Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs at New York state public institutions. Currently, the scholarship is primarily designed for undergraduate students, and this bill would extend eligibility to law students. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled at least half-time (12 credits per semester), maintain a certain credit completion rate, and have a household adjusted gross income at or below $125,000. The scholarship will cover up to $5,500 or actual tuition, whichever is less, and can be used after other financial aid. Law students will be eligible to receive the scholarship for the standard duration of their specific degree program. Notably, recipients cannot receive the scholarship if they already have educational grants or scholarships that fully cover their cost of attendance. The bill aims to make legal education more affordable for low-income students by providing financial support through the existing Excelsior Scholarship framework, which was originally created to help undergraduate students manage tuition costs at public New York state colleges and universities.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5795