As of 2026, the primary path to free tuition at the City University of New York (CUNY) is the Excelsior Scholarship, which is available to New York State residents whose family adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less per year. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per semester and 30 credits per year) and must plan to live and work in New York State after graduation for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship. Additionally, many students qualify for "free" tuition through a combination of federal Pell Grants and New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) grants, which often cover the full cost for lower-income families. CUNY also offers the ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs), which provides tuition waivers for any gap not covered by financial aid, along with free metro cards and textbook vouchers. For high-achieving students, the Macaulay Honors College offers a full-tuition scholarship to those who meet rigorous academic requirements, ensuring that many New Yorkers can attend university without the burden of tuition debt.