By Rossi Sealey
As college application deadlines loom, Brooklyn high schoolers are preparing for the next steps in higher education.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on October 6 that close to 130 colleges across New York State would waive application fees in October as part of College Applications Month (CAM) for the third consecutive year.
This initiative aims to assist high school seniors as they pursue higher education and tackle financial challenges. This includes all of the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY), as well as about 50 private colleges and universities.
“College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success,” said Hochul on the NYS official website press release.
CUNY is waiving application fees from October 27-November 21 for NYC students and November 10-21 for out-of-NYC students. SUNY waives fees October 20-November for up to five applications per student. Private colleges and universities offer varying waiver periods. Application fees typically range from $50 to $90.
“I think this is a good incentive to help low income students get more opportunities,” said Giselle Rodriguez, a Brooklyn College senior.
CUNY saw a positive impact on enrollment rates from its fall 2024 fee waiver initiatives, which helped the university system recover from declines during the pandemic. According to CUNY News, “During the free application period, the University received a record 55,050 applications, an increase of 62% from last year’s period. Overall, applications to CUNY were up 13% year-over-year.”
Although fee waivers eliminate application costs, students still face tuition expenses. “I personally believe you shouldn’t have to pay to go to college.” said Janiah Taylor, a CUNY K16 Initiatives Program Associate for college and career advising and a graduate of CUNY. “That tactic has never made sense to me and I think it blocks a lot of opportunities for different students.” K16 Initiatives is a partnership between CUNY and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), where students can apply to their programs, supporting a smooth transition to college and early college education and environment.
Despite the challenge of paying tuition, CAM still gives students an opportunity to take the first step in applying to college. “College Application Month sends a clear message: college is within reach,” said Lola W. Brabham, President of Commission on the Independent Colleges and Universities in the NYS official website’s press release.