Waiver Is Part of Ongoing Initiative by Gov. Hochul to Provide Greater Access to Higher Education Across New York State

The City University of New York today announced that it has waived its freshman application fees for all New York State public and private high school seniors starting today, October 16, through October 31. This initiative is in addition to the previously announced fee waiver in effect for high school seniors in New York City Public Schools for the entire month of October.

October, dubbed CUNY Month, also features over 100 in-person and virtual events, including campus tours and information sessions for prospective students to learn about the more than 2,800 majors and programs offered at the University’s 25 colleges.

“As New Yorkers across the state decide if and where they want to pursue a higher education this month, we want them to know there is a home for them at CUNY and we are waiving the application fee that may be a barrier for some of them exploring their college options,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “As a University known for facilitating socioeconomic mobility, we proudly join Gov. Hochul and our partners in government in this latest effort to close the equity gap in higher education.”

The action is also part of a recently announced initiative by Gov. Kathy Hochul to make it easier for high school students across New York State to apply to college and follows her proclamation of October 2023 as New York State College Application Month. As part of that effort, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is hosting more than 70 virtual events providing information about the state’s financial aid options.

CUNY already waives the application fee for thousands of eligible city public school students each year, including those who are homeless or in foster care, are living in subsidized public housing or receiving public assistance.

As part of the University’s effort to inform New Yorkers about their post-secondary options, CUNY also this month launched a large-scale advertising campaign, “A Degree for Every Dream,” which is visible on public transportation modes across the tri-state area and highlights the academic offerings and student support services available across the system’s 25 colleges.

Prospective students can learn more about CUNY’s programs and apply online at cuny.edu/learnmore.

– Story courtesy of CUNY Media Relations