New York Colleges Waive Application Fees for October

• SUNY, CUNY, and 40 private colleges will waive application fees during October.
• Waivers and requirements vary by institution.
• The waived application fees are part of the state's College Application Month, now in its 10th year.
• This is the first time SUNY, CUNY, and private colleges have joined together as part of the initiative.

Prospective students in New York can apply to dozens of colleges and universities across the state for free this month.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Oct. 5 that the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and 40 private colleges in the state will offer free application windows in October as part of the state's College Application Month, according to a press release.

This year is the 10th iteration of the state's College Application Month — but marks the first time that SUNY, CUNY, and private colleges will unite to waive application fees, according to the release. The initiative encourages all high school seniors to apply for college early, particularly students from low-income families, first-generation students, and students who might not otherwise apply for college.

Removing financial barriers enables students who may not have considered completing an application due to financial constraints to take the first steps of their educational journey, Hochul said in the release. I urge all seniors in the state to apply to at least one college this month and make the most of this unprecedented initiative.

SUNY will waive its application fees for all of its 64 schools from Oct. 16-29. CUNY is waiving its application fees for all 25 of its campuses all month for high school seniors in New York City public schools and for any state residents who apply as first-year students between Oct. 16 and 31. CUNY is also offering guaranteed admission to all of its community colleges for any student who holds a high school diploma.

We are embarking on a transformative journey with the colleges across New York State ensuring that every senior in our NYC Public Schools sees a clear path to higher education and a well-paid career, New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks said in the release.

This initiative is reinforcing the message that a college education is not just a dream, but a reachable reality for all. I am ecstatic about the partnership between SUNY, CUNY and various private institutions that has made this all possible, and the doors it will open for our young people. Together, we are building a brighter future for our youth and dismantling barriers that have kept many from realizing their potential.

More than 600 high schools statewide are registered to participate in the initiative. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said in the release that the initiative will simplify the application process, increase support for students who don't think college is an option for them and help close the equity gap in higher education.