New York residents with a high demonstrated financial need can attend SUNY schools tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship. The grant requires that students complete high school or obtain a GED or other relevant credential, but has no other academic eligibility requirements.\r\rIt’s important to note that this scholarship covers tuition, but students will have to apply to additional grants to make college free. Expenses such as room and board, textbooks, fees, and other miscellaneous costs can add up.