In a move to ease the financial burden on aspiring college students and their families, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that for the third straight year, application fees for almost 130 colleges will be waived during New York State College Application Month this October. As reported by the Governor's office, students looking to apply to The State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and numerous private institutions can do so without the hurdle of fees that typically range between $50 to $90.
The Governor has set the stage for an inclusive opportunity for all New Yorkers to pursue higher education, recognizing the formidable blockade fees can pose, and has crafted an initiative to champion accessibility and the pursuit of scholarly endeavors. State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. highlighted the open doors of SUNY to New Yorkers, endorsing free applications from October 20 to November 3, aiming to showcase the system's excellence and affordability, as Governor Hochul's office outlined the specific dates for each institution's application fee waiver period, SUNY kicks off its waiver from October 20 through November 3 while CUNY waives fees specifically for New York City High School students from October 27 to November 21 and for those residing outside of the metropolis from November 10 to November 21—private colleges and universities are set to follow suit with their respective schedules throughout the month.
According to the Governor's Office, to further assist applicants, more than 40 events both virtual and physical will be held, offering assistance in navigating financial aid forms such as the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program—the HESC is at the helm of these engagements. "Governor Hochul's leadership in prioritizing education is making a profound difference for students and families across New York," said Dr. Guillermo Linares, President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, underscoring the impact of fee waivers on the accessibility of higher education and reflecting a clear signal that every student deserves a shot at success.
Educational representatives from around the state joined in acclaiming the initiative; CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez asserted that removing application fees is a formidable means to support all students, especially those met with financial or logistical barriers in the college application process, the New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos echoed this sentiment, declaring the potential increased equity and empowerment for students from diverse backgrounds emboldened to pursue their academic and career goals. The combined efforts are part of the greater nationwide American College Application Campaign, which has aided millions of students since its inception according to the New York State Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett, who also celebrated the collaboration's achievement, the forthcoming partnerships, and the opportunity to welcome prospective students are detailed at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website, with further information available at hesc.ny.gov/cam.
