NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Full SUNY-level tuition for top-10% NY high school grads who study STEM at a NYS public college and then work in STEM in NY
- How much
- Covers tuition up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate tuition, or actual tuition if less
- Who qualifies
- Graduate of a NYS high school ranked in the top 10% of the class; enroll in the fall term right after graduation; full-time STEM degree at a public NYS college; 2.5 cumulative GPA to keep it. No income limits. Must live in NYS and work in an approved STEM occupation for 5 years or the awards become a 10-year loan with interest.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- For STEM students
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Open now · due August 16, 2027 Annual; mid-August before the academic year (2027-28: Aug 16, 2027)
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA and TAP application first, then submit the NYS STEM Incentive application on HESC
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesc.ny.gov)
The details
Covers tuition up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate tuition (or actual tuition if less), reduced by other tuition aid. For up to 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (5 in approved 5-year programs). Students must rank in the top 10% of their NYS high school class, enroll the fall right after graduation in a STEM degree at a NYS public college (SUNY/CUNY), and keep a 2.5 GPA. Afterward they must live in NYS and work in an approved STEM occupation for five years, or all awards convert to a 10-year loan with interest.
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.