Hochul Announces Free College Applications for NYC Students in Big Boost for Affordability

Starting October 21, New York students can enroll for free at the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY) and more than 50 private colleges, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The change, part of College Enrollment Month, waives application fees to make higher education more accessible to students across the state.

“Ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education is a top priority for New York,” said Hochul. “By waiving application fees, we are eliminating financial obstacles that can prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals.”

The initiative will last until mid-November, with SUNY waiving up to five registration fees per student from October 21 to November 3, and CUNY waiving fees for all New York City public school seniors from 21 from October to November 15, extending to all state residents. from November 4th. This effort builds on Hochul’s broader campaign to expand access to higher education, which includes the recent expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which saw 40,000 newly eligible students apply for financial aid.

Breaking down financial barriers

The application fee waiver is part of a national initiative that aims to ease the path to college for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. By covering application fees, which can be as high as $100 per institution, New York is giving students who might otherwise fail to enroll the opportunity to pursue higher education.

More than 65 virtual and in-person events, organized by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), will support students in navigating the application process. The goal is to help them take advantage of this opportunity and explore financial aid options.

“Waiving application fees opens a path to college for students who might otherwise be discouraged by the costs,” said HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares. “It’s about making higher education accessible to everyone.”

Expanding College Access

This year’s fee waivers come on the heels of the recent expansion of financial aid programs in New York. Hochul announced that since the TAP income limit was increased, more than 40,000 students have applied for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. This aligns with the governor’s ongoing efforts to make college more affordable and accessible.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised the initiative, saying, “We are committed to ensuring that the pursuit of higher education is available to all New Yorkers.” CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez added that CUNY’s application fee waiver and community college admission guarantee for New York City public school graduates further break down barriers to higher education.

Participating institutions

More than 50 private colleges and universities in New York also participate in the tuition waiver program. Although terms vary by campus, students can find a complete list of participating schools and waiver details on the New York State College Application Month page.

The initiative also has the support of state education leaders and legislators. New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa noted that the fee waiver helps ensure students can follow their dreams without financial barriers. Likewise, Congresswoman Patricia Fahy encouraged families to take advantage of the opportunity, highlighting the expanded options for financial assistance.

Long-term impact

College Application Month, part of a national campaign that has helped nearly 4.7 million students submit more than 8.7 million applications since 2005, continues to grow in its mission to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

By removing financial barriers associated with applying, New York is working to reverse declining college enrollment rates and open the door to more students, especially first-generation college applicants and those from underrepresented communities.

The Hochul administration continues to focus on creating opportunities for students through policy changes and initiatives like this. With free tuition and expanded aid programs, the state is paving the way for more New Yorkers to achieve their higher education goals.

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