On October 21, the Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), John B. King Jr., announced a significant initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on high school seniors applying to college. Through November 3, SUNY will waive application fees for up to five college applications per student across its 64 campuses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage students to explore their options within the SUNY system and to apply early during the college application season. The waiver could save each participant up to $250, effectively removing an obstacle that might deter many students from applying to higher education institutions.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who recently declared October as College Application Month in New York, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in broadening accessibility to higher education, particularly for low-income families, first-generation college students, and those who might be discouraged from applying due to financial constraints. King emphasized the collective efforts of SUNY to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to find and enroll in a campus that will support their academic aspirations. The financial aid and admissions teams at SUNY campuses are poised to provide support to these students throughout their application journey.
The SUNY Chancellor and the Board of Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to providing an affordable, high-quality education. They recognize that the application process is the initial step in a larger pursuit of academic goals and that financial barriers can create stress for families. The fee waivers aim to alleviate some of that stress, allowing families to make informed decisions about college applications without worrying about incurring additional costs. This approach aligns with the overarching mission of SUNY to foster accessibility and inclusivity within its educational framework.
Students applying through the SUNY-specific ApplySUNY platform will automatically receive waiver benefits for their first five selected colleges, while those using the Common Application will need to apply individually to each campus. During the application process, they will have the option to select “yes” for the fee waiver for each campus they are applying to, ensuring they take advantage of this initiative effectively. This flexibility not only simplifies the application process but also encourages more students to participate in it.
Beyond the limited-time fee waivers, SUNY has established ongoing application fee waiver programs that benefit around 60% of all high school seniors. This includes support for students from schools with high rates of free and reduced lunch, those in foster care, low-income households, and students with military connections. Individuals nearing the completion of an associate degree at SUNY community colleges are also eligible for application fee waivers when applying to bachelor’s degree programs. Last year, the SUNY Board of Trustees added an ongoing waiver for AmeriCorps alumni, extending their commitment to support students from diverse backgrounds.
For those interested in learning more about SUNY’s continued efforts to remove financial barriers in higher education, detailed information can be found at designated resources provided by the university. Overall, these initiatives reflect SUNY’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment, ensuring that every high school student in New York has the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals without the hindrance of application fees. The combined efforts of the state and the university system aim to empower students and families, making the transition to college a more accessible and less stressful experience.
