SUNY/CUNY Tuition & Excelsior Scholarship Calculator
Calculate your college costs and see if you qualify for free tuition through Excelsior
New York Calculator
Plan for higher education
Updated for 2025 with real New York rates, brackets, and regulations
New York's Excelsior Scholarship makes SUNY and CUNY tuition-free for families earning under $125,000/year — a program unique to New York State. CUNY tuition: $3,465/semester (community college: $2,500). SUNY tuition: $3,735/semester (community college: varies). Excelsior covers the tuition gap after Pell Grants and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) are applied. Requirements: full-time enrollment (30 credits/year), maintain a GPA, and live/work in NY for the same number of years you received the scholarship after graduation.
Calculate Your NY Tax
Annual Net Cost
19,900$/yr
Sticker Price (COA)
$26,970
Tuition
$7,070
Excelsior
-$7,070
TAP Award
N/A
Pell Grant
N/A
4-Year Total
$81,988
Breakdown
Insight
At $90,000 household income, you qualify for Excelsior Scholarship — making SUNY 4-Year tuition effectively FREE. Room and board ($15,500/yr) is your main cost. Consider off-campus housing to save vs dorms.
AI Explanation
What This Means
Based on default inputs, the SUNY/CUNY Tuition & Excelsior Calculator shows a annual net cost of 19,900 $/yr. Key figures: Sticker Price (COA): $26,970, Tuition: $7,070, Excelsior: -$7,070, TAP Award: N/A, Pell Grant: N/A, 4-Year Total: $81,988.
Key Insights
At $90,000 household income, you qualify for Excelsior Scholarship — making SUNY 4-Year tuition effectively FREE. Room and board ($15,500/yr) is your main cost. Consider off-campus housing to save vs dorms.
What You Can Do
Enter your actual figures in the calculator above for a personalized breakdown. Consider consulting a tax professional for comprehensive planning, especially for complex situations involving multiple income sources or deductions.
Keep In Mind
This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 rates. Actual tax liability may vary based on credits, exemptions, and other factors not captured here. This is for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice.
How the SUNY/CUNY Tuition & Excelsior Calculator Works
The SUNY/CUNY Tuition & Excelsior Calculator uses 2026 tax rates, brackets, and deductions specific to New York to provide you with an accurate estimate of your tax obligations. Unlike generic federal-only calculators, this tool accounts for the unique tax structure that New York residents face.
Formula
Net Tuition = SUNY/CUNY Tuition - Pell Grant - TAP Award - Excelsior ScholarshipSimply enter your financial details above, and the calculator instantly computes your results using the latest available data. All calculations happen directly in your browser — your personal information is never sent to any server or stored anywhere.
Why Use a New York-Specific Calculator?
State-Specific Rates
Uses real 2026 New York tax brackets, rates, and thresholds — not generic national averages that miss state-level nuances.
Local Programs & Exemptions
Factors in New York-specific programs, exemptions, and deductions that national calculators simply don't account for.
Instant & Private
All calculations run locally in your browser. No account required, no data stored, no waiting for results.
AI-Powered Explanations
Get a plain-English breakdown of your results with actionable insights you can actually use for financial planning.
What's Included
Excelsior Check
Determine if you qualify for free tuition under the Excelsior Scholarship
Cost Breakdown
Tuition, fees, room & board, and books for SUNY and CUNY campuses
Aid Stacking
See how Pell Grant + TAP + Excelsior combine to reduce your bill
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NY Excelsior Scholarship?
A last-dollar scholarship covering SUNY/CUNY tuition for NY residents with family income under $125,000. It covers the gap after Pell Grant and TAP are applied. Requirements: full-time (30 credits/year), GPA maintenance, and post-graduation residency requirement (must live and work in NY for the number of years you received the award).
How much is CUNY tuition?
CUNY senior colleges (4-year): $3,465/semester ($6,930/year). CUNY community colleges: $2,500/semester ($5,000/year). These are among the lowest public university tuitions in the nation. Add fees, books, and living expenses for total cost.
What is the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)?
TAP is a NY State grant for full-time students at NY colleges. Awards range from $500-$5,665/year based on family income (max $80,000 for dependent students). TAP is applied before Excelsior — so Excelsior covers whatever tuition TAP and Pell don't.
Do I have to stay in New York after graduating with Excelsior?
Yes. You must live and work in NY for the same number of years you received the scholarship. If you received Excelsior for 4 years, you must stay in NY for 4 years after graduation. If you leave early, the scholarship converts to a 0% interest loan that must be repaid.
Can out-of-state students get in-state SUNY/CUNY rates?
Out-of-state tuition is $9,026/semester at SUNY and $7,745 at CUNY senior colleges. To qualify for in-state rates, you must establish NY domicile for 12+ months. Some SUNY campuses offer special rates for bordering states (CT, NJ, PA, VT, MA).
Important Information for New York Residents
Tax laws in New York can change annually. This calculator is updated regularly to reflect the latest 2026 rates and regulations, but you should always verify important financial decisions with a qualified New York tax professional or CPA.
This tool is designed for informational and educational purposes. While we strive for accuracy using official New York Department of Taxation data, the results should be used as estimates for planning purposes only. Your actual tax liability may differ based on credits, special circumstances, and legislative changes that occur after our last update.
For filing deadlines, payment schedules, and official forms, visit the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website. If you have complex tax situations involving multiple states, business income, or significant investment gains, professional guidance is recommended.
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