ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul Friday announced that the State University of New York, the City University of New York and over 50 private colleges and universities throughout New York State have again come together to offer free application opportunities for high school seniors during New York State College Application Month.
“Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue higher education is a top priority for New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “College Application Month isn’t only about waiving fees — it’s about breaking down financial barriers and opening doors to future opportunities. We’re empowering students across the state to take the first step toward achieving their educational and career goals while removing the financial obstacles that may deter students from pursuing higher education.”
The State University of New York (SUNY) will waive up to five application fees per student across its 64 colleges and universities from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3. The City University of New York (CUNY) is waiving application fees across all 25 campuses for high school seniors attending New York City public schools from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15 and from Nov. 4 to Nov. 15 for all New York State residents applying as a college freshman. CUNY further guarantees admission to all seven of its community colleges for all NYC Public Schools graduates, while private institutions across the state are offering fee waivers that vary by campus. Visit the New York State Application Month waiver webpage here for more information and a complete list of participating NYS colleges and universities.
Last week, Governor Hochul announced that following the increase in income thresholds secured in the FY25 Enacted Budget, more than 40,000 newly eligible New York State students have already submitted Tuition Assistance Program applications for the 2024-25 academic year. B-roll of Governor Hochul meeting with students at the University at Albany’s Financial Aid Office is available on YouTube here and TV quality video is available.
To assist students with their academic goals, the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and academic partners will offer over 65 virtual and in-person events. These events aim to support students through their college applications, encourage students to learn more about New York State financial aid, and inform them about their college options. Additional assistance with college applications and information on related events can be found on the Apply to SUNY webpage and CUNY Month webpage.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Education is a pathway to opportunity, and New York State College Application Month helps ensure that this pathway is open to all, regardless of background or financial circumstances. By waiving application fees, we’re helping more New Yorkers take that important first step toward achieving a brighter future and reinforcing our commitment to making higher education accessible and attainable for every student across the state. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for proclaiming October as New York State College Application Month and for enhancing access to higher education opportunities for even more New Yorkers.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for everyone, and we are committed to ensuring the pursuit of higher education is available to all New Yorkers. We are pleased to join Governor Hochul in promoting College Application Month and in providing application fee waivers to ease this step toward college for prospective students who are ready to claim their place on the SUNY campus that’s right for them.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “CUNY is deeply committed to removing barriers to higher education, and we are pleased to join educational institutions across the state and country for College Application Month. We will be waiving CUNY’s application fee from October 21 to November 15 as well as offering guaranteed community college admission to all NYC Public Schools seniors. These strategies help communicate directly to students that attending college is a viable option for them and a life-changing opportunity. Thanks to Governor Hochul for her strong and sustained support for higher education across New York State.”