Starting October 21, New York students can apply to State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and over 50 private colleges for free, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The move, part of College Application Month, waives application fees to make higher education more accessible for students across the state.
“Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue higher education is a top priority for New York,” Hochul said. “By waiving application fees, we’re removing financial obstacles that may prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals.”
The initiative will last through mid-November, with SUNY waiving up to five application fees per student from October 21 to November 3, and CUNY waiving fees for all New York City public school seniors from October 21 to November 15, extending to all state residents from November 4. 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) that saw 40,000 newly eligible students apply for financial aid.
Breaking down financial barriers
The application fee waiver is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at making the path to college easier for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. By covering application fees, which can run as high as $100 per institution, New York is giving students who might otherwise skip applying a chance 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 pathway to college for students who might otherwise be discouraged by the costs,” said HESC President Dr. Guillermo Linares. “This is about making higher education accessible to everyone.”
Expanding college access
This year’s fee waivers come on the heels of New York’s recent expansion of financial aid programs. Hochul announced that, since the TAP income threshold was raised, over 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 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 guaranteed community college admission for NYC public school graduates further break down barriers to higher education.
Participating institutions
More than 50 private colleges and universities across New York are also participating in the fee waiver program. While the terms vary by campus, students can find a complete list of participating schools and details about the waiver on the New York State College Application Month webpage.
The initiative also has support from state education leaders and legislators. New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa noted that waiving fees helps ensure students can follow their dreams without financial barriers. Similarly, Assemblymember Patricia Fahy encouraged families to take advantage of the opportunity, highlighting the expanded financial assistance options.
Long-term impact
College Application Month, a part of a national campaign that has helped nearly 4.7 million students submit over 8.7 million applications since 2005, continues to grow in its mission to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the chance to pursue higher education.
By removing the financial barriers associated with applications, New York is working to reverse declining college enrollment rates and open the door to more students, particularly first-generation college applicants and those from underrepresented communities.
Hochul’s administration continues to focus on creating opportunities for students through policy changes and initiatives like this. With free applications and expanded aid programs, the state is paving the way for more New Yorkers to achieve their higher education goals.
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