Governor Hochul urges students to use college application fee waivers available across New York this fall

New York – High school seniors across New York have a chance to apply to college without paying application fees this fall, as Governor Kathy Hochul encourages families to take part in the expanded 2026 College Application Initiative.

The effort brings together SUNY, CUNY and more than 45 private colleges and universities during designated fee waiver periods. According to the governor’s announcement, more than 130 institutions are taking part statewide. The goal is to help seniors complete at least one college application, with particular attention to students from low-income households and those who would be the first in their families to attend college.

This year, the initiative stretches across October and November instead of its traditional one-month schedule. That gives students more time to explore schools, get help and finish their applications. The individual fee waiver windows, however, vary by college system and institution.

“Every New York student should have the opportunity to pursue a college education, no matter their ZIP code or their family’s income,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re breaking down barriers at every step — giving students more time and support to complete their applications and waiving fees so families can keep more money in their pockets. New York is making it easier and more affordable for students to take that first step toward a college degree and a brighter future right here in our state.”

Application fees can range from $50 to $90 for each school. For a student considering several colleges, those charges can become a significant expense before an admission decision even arrives. Removing the fees allows students to consider a wider range of New York colleges without adding an application charge for every participating school they choose.

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Last year, students submitted more than 300,000 applications through the initiative. The fee waivers saved students and their families more than $15 million, according to the announcement. This is the fourth consecutive year that students can apply free to SUNY, CUNY and participating private institutions during the designated periods.

The dates are important. For New York City public school students applying to CUNY, the waiver period runs from September 15 through November 16, 2026. Students outside New York City public schools have a CUNY waiver window beginning October 15 and ending November 16.

SUNY’s application fee waiver period runs from October 19 through November 2, 2026. Students considering private colleges can find participating institutions and their waiver information on the HESC website.

Because the statewide initiative lasts longer than some individual waiver windows, families should check the dates for the schools on their lists. Participation in the broader October and November effort does not mean every institution offers free applications throughout both months.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and free college applications help prospective students take the first step in accessing the affordable, excellent education of their dreams. SUNY is proud to promote the College Application Initiative with Governor Hochul and we applaud her commitment to making higher education more accessible for all New Yorkers.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “No student should have to weigh the cost of an application against their dream of attending college. By waiving the application fee for high school seniors across New York State, we are making it easier for more students to take that important first step toward a college degree. CUNY is proud to partner with Governor Hochul and our state education colleagues to expand access to higher education, remove barriers to opportunity, and help more New Yorkers pursue their educational and career aspirations.”

The fee waivers are one part of the effort. More than 700 high schools across New York have registered to participate, offering time, counselor support and other resources to help seniors work through their applications.

That school-based help supports the initiative’s central aim of getting every student to complete at least one application. The expanded schedule gives schools and students a longer period in which to do that work, while the fee waivers address the cost of submitting applications.

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The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, known as HESC, leads the initiative. Its partners include SUNY, CUNY, the New York State Education Department, the Association of Private Colleges and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

HESC Acting President Doris González said, “Applying to college should open doors, not create barriers. Yet for many families, the process feels overwhelming and out of reach. New York’s College Application Initiative changes that. This historic effort removes obstacles, guides students through the application process and saves families’ money. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to expanding college access. Together we are proving that a brighter future belongs within reach of every student across our state.”

The initiative builds on more than a decade of work helping New York students pursue higher education. Alongside the assistance available in participating schools, HESC provides free resources for students, families and school staff navigating the application process.

New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Every student who wants to pursue higher education should be able to apply, regardless of their circumstances. The College Application Initiative helps remove a financial barrier that can stand between students with fewer financial resources and their aspirations. Initiatives like this are important as they create more equitable access to college and empower students to take an important step in achieving their educational goals.”

Private institutions are also contributing to the statewide effort. All 12 member institutions of the Association of Private Colleges are waiving application fees as part of this year’s initiative.

Association President Donna Gurnett said, “Once again, all 12 of the Association of Private Colleges member institutions are waiving application fees as part of the state’s College Application Initiative (CAI). We are proud to partner with SUNY, CUNY and other private colleges and universities to promote initiatives that support making higher education affordable and accessible for New Yorkers. Thank you to Governor Hochul and HESC for continuing to prioritize breaking down barriers for students and their families.”

For students still deciding where to apply, the participation of public and private institutions provides a range of options to explore. The complete college list and waiver details are available through HESC’s College Application Initiative resources.

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “A college application can be the first step toward a future a student may not have imagined for themselves. By waiving application fees and giving students more time and support to apply, the College Application Initiative helps more New Yorkers explore the full range of opportunities available to them. New York’s independent, non-profit colleges and universities are proud to participate, and we thank Governor Hochul and HESC for helping students take that next step.”

Hochul has also proclaimed October as College Application Month in New York. The designation is intended to draw attention to higher education opportunities and encourage students as they pursue their academic plans.

On Wednesday, October 21, all state buildings will be illuminated in green and blue in recognition of the initiative. The lighting is planned as a public show of support for students taking the next step toward college.

The application effort also coincides with financial aid opportunities. The announcement says the opening of the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and New York’s Tuition Assistance Program, known as TAP, aligns with the College Application Initiative.

These applications address a different part of the college process. The fee waivers remove the cost of applying to participating schools, while federal and state aid programs help eligible students with education expenses.

According to the announcement, the FAFSA and TAP application deadline for the 2027-28 academic year is June 30, 2028. Students seeking aid for the 2026-27 academic year must submit their applications by June 30, 2027.

The 2027-28 New York State STEM Incentive Program application is also open for high-performing New York high school seniors. Eligible students may seek state aid through the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Pathway as well.

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State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky welcomed the application fee waivers, saying they help students at the beginning of the college process. She pointed to the opportunity for seniors to apply to SUNY, CUNY and more than 45 private colleges at no cost during the designated periods, giving students more choices as they plan for a degree.

New York’s effort is part of the national American College Application Campaign, sponsored by ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning. To date, the national campaign has helped nearly 7 million students submit more than 12 million college applications.

For this year’s seniors, the immediate task is to match their college plans with the available waiver dates. Students and families can use HESC’s College Application Initiative page to review the program, find participating colleges and locate support. With school counselors, free resources and designated no-fee application periods available, the fall initiative offers several forms of help toward completing that first application.