NYS Memorial Scholarship
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Apply any timeRenews each year
Covers college costs up to SUNY rates for families of NY firefighters, police, correction officers and EMS workers who died in the line of duty
- How much
- Covers cost of attendance up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate cost of attendance
- Who qualifies
- Child, spouse or financial dependent of a firefighter, volunteer firefighter, police officer (incl. NYS correction officer) or EMS worker who died in the line of duty serving NYS
- Full-time (12+ credits), matriculated in an approved program.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; non-residents (incl. undocumented) apply via NYS DREAM Act
- When to apply
- Apply any time Open year-round
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA and TAP application, then submit the NYS Memorial Scholarship web supplement
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesc.ny.gov)
The details
Covers cost of attendance up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate cost of attendance (or actual cost if less), for children, spouses or financial dependents of a deceased firefighter, volunteer firefighter, police officer (including NYS correction officers) or EMS worker who died in the line of duty serving NYS. Full-time, matriculated; up to 2/4/5 years by program length.
More money from New York
- Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA)Up to $6,000 for tuition expenses
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)$1,000 to $5,665
- NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence$500 or $1,500 per year
- Excelsior ScholarshipCovers tuition at SUNY/CUNY (last-dollar, after other aid)
- Non-degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)Prorated TAP award based on credits and actual tuition
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.