NYS STEM Incentive Program

This is a real program, but some details for the current cycle are not published or not yet confirmed. Check the official source before you plan around it.

Award

Actual tuition or SUNY state-operated undergraduate resident tuition, whichever is less, after other tuition-specific aid. Fees, housing and books are excluded. One undergraduate degree, including an associate/bachelor’s sequence; approved five-year programs may receive five years.

Deadline

The current HESC page says applications are closed. No confirmed 2027 application window; the FAQ’s usual October 1-August 15 window is not a dated 2027 announcement.

How to apply

When open, submit the HESC online application, high school transcript and school-official top-10% verification; applicants must apply as seniors for fall immediately after graduation, subject to approved deferral. Standard route requires FAFSA and NYS Student Aid Payment Application annually. DREAM Act applicants first establish eligibility through that route. Approved recipients sign the service contract.

What you'll need

• A separate scholarship application

Who can apply

NYS high school graduates in the top 10.0% of their graduating class, entering an approved STEM program full-time at SUNY/CUNY immediately after graduation. Standard route: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and 12 continuous months of NY residence. HESC also directs nonresidents and undocumented students to NYS DREAM Act eligibility. No income limit. Complete at least 12 degree-applicable credits each term and maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA from the second semester; approved interruptions may apply.

Good to know

Program is currently closed. Tuition-only aid; no concurrent full-tuition state scholarship. After completing the degree, reside in NY and work at least 35 hours weekly in an approved STEM occupation for five continuous years, normally beginning within six months. Failure to complete the degree, qualifying service or required reporting converts all payments to a ten-year loan with interest accruing from disbursement; approved hardship/deferment provisions apply. College renewal GPA is not a high school GPA threshold.

Details

STEM