Exciting news for New York high school seniors! This fall, they won’t have to pay a single dollar in college application fees at nearly 130 institutions. Governor Kathy Hochul made this announcement on Monday, marking the third year of this impactful program. The goal? To knock down financial walls and inspire more students to apply for higher education.
New York is making college applications free for nearly 130 universities.
Across the nation, undergraduate enrollment hasn’t quite bounced back to pre-pandemic numbers. While data from the National Student Clearinghouse indicates a 3.5% rise in spring 2025 enrollment compared to the previous year, it’s clear there’s still ground to cover. Experts believe that by eliminating application fees, more students will be encouraged to re-enter the academic pipeline, a sentiment echoed by Chalkbeat’s reporting.
CUNY’s Generous Fee Waivers
The City University of New York (CUNY) is making higher education more accessible by waiving application fees for twenty of its campuses. High school students within New York City can apply for free between October 27 and November 21. For students residing outside the city, the fee-free application window is from November 10 to 21. This initiative is especially crucial as CUNY experienced a roughly 10% drop in enrollment in fall 2022 compared to 2021, mirroring a 2% statewide decline. However, a significant rebound was observed in 2024, largely attributed to fee waivers offered to New York City public high school seniors. Personalized acceptance letters, which highlighted the fee waiver, proved to be a powerful draw, helping the program generate an impressive 60,000 freshman applications last year, as confirmed by Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez.
Beyond CUNY: SUNY and Private Institutions Join In
Not to be outdone, the State University of New York (SUNY) is also offering a fantastic opportunity: students can apply to as many as five of its campuses for free between October 20 and November 3. This expansive effort also includes several private institutions within New York City, notably the Fashion Institute of Technology, Fordham University, and Pace University. It’s worth noting that a few of the city’s most prestigious private universities, like New York University and Columbia University, are not part of this particular waiver program. Officials emphasize that these fee waivers are instrumental in making college a more tangible reality, especially for students navigating financial constraints or logistical hurdles. They empower students to explore a wider range of academic options they might otherwise have deemed out of reach.
The Critical Impact of Eliminating Application Fees
It might seem like a small amount, but even modest application fees can be a significant deterrent for many students. The simple act of having to pay, no matter how small the sum, can lead to delays or even prevent applications from being submitted entirely. By waiving these fees, a major obstacle is removed, enabling students to cast a wider net and apply to more colleges without the added stress of financial burden. This, in turn, opens doors to institutions that might have previously felt inaccessible.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Students
To make the most of this incredible opportunity, students should diligently check the specific fee-waiver dates for each college they’re interested in and begin preparing their applications well in advance. Having essays polished, transcripts ready, and recommendation letters secured ahead of time will ensure timely submissions. Remember, applying early often boosts your chances of acceptance! Don’t hesitate to consult with your school counselors; they are excellent resources who can provide invaluable guidance on navigating and maximizing the benefits of this fee-waiver program.
Ultimately, officials are optimistic that this initiative will significantly increase college enrollment and broaden access to higher education for a diverse range of students. It’s a key component of a larger strategy to support students recovering from the pandemic’s disruptions and to dismantle persistent financial obstacles to academic pursuits.
Understanding Enrollment Trends
CUNY’s decision to implement fee waivers directly responds to a period of declining enrollment. In Fall 2022, CUNY saw a nearly 10% decrease from the previous year, with statewide enrollment also experiencing a 2% drop. The positive news is that last year’s fee-waiver program, coupled with personalized outreach, successfully reversed this trend, leading to a surge in applications. While national enrollment figures are gradually climbing, they are still shy of pre-pandemic benchmarks. This highlights that while waiving fees may seem like a minor adjustment, educators and policymakers believe it holds substantial power to influence student decisions, allowing more individuals to pursue higher education without the initial hurdle of application costs.
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