The Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS) provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.

General Information and Eligibility

MSRS provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents:
      • died, became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred or are classified as missing in action in a combat theater or combat zone of operations; or who died as a result of injuries incurred in these designated areas; OR
      • died or became severely and permanently disabled as result of injury or illness suffered or incurred during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or combat zone of operations.

The MSRS is also available to members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, while New York residents, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990 became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred:
      • in a combat theater or combat zone; OR
      • during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or combat zone of operations.

Note: New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate programs at a U.S. college or university located outside of New York State on Sept. 11, 2001 are also eligible for scholarship payment at that school, if still currently enrolled. Payment may not precede the establishment of eligibility.

Scholarship Amounts

MSRS provides funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:
      • At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to the student for students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
      • At a private institution: an allowance equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and mandatory educational fees (or student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
Receipt of other grants and scholarships may reduce the MSRS award. The total of all aid received cannot be greater than the student's Title IV cost of attendance.

Update: Legislation enacting the 2008-09 New York State budget included changes to certain grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs to meet statutorily mandated savings. As a result, the award amount to each student will be reduced by 2 percent.

How to Apply for a MSRS Scholarship

To apply students must complete the Military Service Recognition Scholarship Supplement. Provide the information requested on the supplement and submit it along with the necessary supporting documentation to the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at the address listed below:

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12255

Filing Deadlines

This application may be submitted and eligibility for a Military Service Recognition Scholarship may be established at any time. Although you do not have to submit a Military Service Recognition Scholarship application every year, you must submit an application for payment by May 1 of each academic year you wish to receive a Military Service Recognition Scholarship.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Express TAP Application (ETA) to request payment.