New York Assembly Bill A10085

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Increases the income cap for purposes of the Excelsior scholarship

Summary

This bill amends the Education Law to increase the income eligibility cap for the Excelsior Scholarship, New York’s tuition assistance program for students attending public colleges and universities. Under current law, the income threshold had been set at $125,000 for awards through the 2025-2026 academic year; this bill extends that threshold through that year and raises it to $150,000 beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and thereafter. The bill also makes a series of technical and conforming edits to the statute, including updating gendered references to gender-neutral language such as “the student’s.” The core eligibility rules remain unchanged: applicants must be enrolled in an approved undergraduate program at a New York public institution, meet credit-completion requirements, and satisfy the program’s other administrative conditions. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill would amend section 669-h of the Education Law, which governs Excelsior Scholarship eligibility, by expanding the pool of students and families who may qualify based on income. It would increase the adjusted gross income cap from $125,000 to $150,000 for awards beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, thereby potentially increasing scholarship access and state program costs. The measure affects students attending SUNY and CUNY public institutions, as well as the Higher Education Services Corporation’s administration of the scholarship program.

Sentiment

The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, with no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts. Based on the bill’s purpose and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a student-affordability expansion, suggesting generally favorable intent toward broadening access to higher education funding. However, because there is no discussion or vote history provided, there is no documented public sentiment beyond the bill’s introduction.

Contention

The main policy issue likely to generate debate is the cost and scope of expanding eligibility for a state-funded scholarship program. Supporters would likely argue that raising the income cap helps middle-income families afford public college and reflects higher tuition and living costs, while critics may question whether extending aid to higher-income households is the best use of limited state resources. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided materials.