By love-89.com To celebrate College Application Month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that starting Monday, October 21, over 130 universities and colleges across New York will waive application fees for a limited time. This initiative includes all State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) campuses, as well as more than 50 private colleges. This marks the second consecutive year New York has implemented this fee waiver.
From October 21 to November 3, SUNY will waive application fees for up to five institutions per student. CUNY will also waive fees for high school students from New York City public schools across 25 campuses from October 21 to November 15, expanding the offer to all applicants in New York State from November 4 to November 15. Additionally, CUNY guarantees admission for graduates of New York City public high schools to seven of its community colleges.
The waiver can save students applying to state universities approximately $250 and those applying to CUNY about $65. Last year, the state universities, city universities, and private institutions collectively waived application fees for the first time, receiving a positive response. Schools like Stony Brook University and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) were among those participating, alongside several private colleges based on location. For a complete list and more details, interested applicants can visit the official New York College Application Month website at on.ny.gov/4f6VQAo.
Governor Hochul also announced that due to increased income thresholds in the 2025 fiscal budget, over 40,000 New York students submitted financial aid applications for the 2024-25 academic year. To assist students in reaching their academic goals, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and its academic partners will host over 65 online and in-person events aimed at helping students navigate college applications, financial aid in New York, and their college options.
According to US News data, tuition fees at private universities in the U.S. have risen by 132% over the past 20 years, with public university costs increasing 127% for out-of-state students and 158% for in-state students. For families facing financial challenges, applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may provide essential financial support. Students attending SUNY or CUNY institutions may also qualify for TAP, receiving up to $5,665 annually.