New York State Education Department Scholarships for Academic Excellence
Scholarship Sponsored by New York State Education Department
Overview
The Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) are intended for high school students who are recognized as the top student(s) at their high school upon completion of their junior year. The award assists recipients in attending a college or university located in New York State.
2026 Awards (for the 2025–2026 academic year)
This notice describes SAE awards to be made in 2026 for the 2025–2026 academic year. Subject to the New York State Legislature appropriating funds during its 2026 session, a total of 8,000 scholarships will be granted: 2,000 awards of $1,500 each and 6,000 awards of $500 each.
Permitted combinations and limits on use
Recipients may also receive other New York State academic or general awards for which they qualify. However, an SAE will not be paid in any amount that would cause the combined total of all awards to exceed the student’s cost of attendance. SAE funds must be used at an accredited college or university within New York State; they are not available for trade or vocational schools. If a recipient does not enroll in a New York State college or university, the scholarship is forfeited. Under no circumstances may the yearly SAE payment exceed the recipient’s cost of attendance, which is defined to include tuition, required fees, laboratory and other institution-related charges, textbooks, transportation, and room and board.
Renewability
SAE awards may be renewed for up to four academic years of undergraduate study. If a program is normally designed to take five years, as defined by the Commissioner of Education, renewal may extend for up to five academic years. If a student declines the scholarship or if the Commissioner of Education revokes it, the award ends and will not be reissued.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be eligible to graduate from a New York State high school by the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
- For candidates who are U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent residents, or who are members of a class of refugees paroled by the U.S. Attorney General under the parole authority related to admission of aliens to the United States, the student must also:
- have graduated from a New York State high school;
- be enrolled full time as a matriculated student in an approved undergraduate program at a New York State postsecondary institution;
- maintain good academic standing;
- not be in default on any state or federal student loan and not be in default on repayment of any state awards; and
- be a resident of New York State.
If you have questions about eligibility or need additional clarification, contact the administering office for SAE.