Free college application submissions for 3rd consecutive year, as College Application Month returns

SUNY, CUNY, dozens of private colleges & universities to waive application fees

√ New York State Higher Education Services Corp. to host virtual events that support CAM initiatives, FAFSA and TAP completion

Information Courtesy of the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced students across the state can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this October. The announcement comes as the governor has proclaimed October as New York State College Application Month (CAM), which includes waived application fees at the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and dozens of private colleges and universities. With application fees typically ranging from $50 to $90 each, these waivers will save students and families significant money, and help ensure New York students have the opportunity to take the critical step of applying to college.

“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Hochul said. “By waiving application fees at SUNY, CUNY and nearly 50 private colleges across the state, we’re saving families money and ensuring that more students can access the opportunities and futures they deserve. College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success. I want to thank our schools for their dedication and partnership in making this important initiative a reality.”

Application waiver periods

•SUNY: Waiving up to five application fees per student from Oct. 20 through Nov. 3.

•CUNY: Waiving application fees from Oct. 27 to Nov. 21 for New York City High School students, and from Nov. 10-21 for students outside of New York City.

•Private colleges and universities: Participating at various times throughout the month.

Find a complete list of participating schools on the New York state application waiver webpage. Additional assistance with college applications and information on related events can be found on the Apply to SUNY and CUNY Month webpages.

Support for students & families

To help students make the most of this exciting opportunity, the HESC and its partners are hosting over 40 virtual and in-person events throughout October. With the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program applications now open, these events offer students and families the one-on-one support they need to complete their financial aid applications.

New York State Higher Education Services Corp. President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Gov. Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing education is making a profound difference for students and families across New York. By waiving college application fees, we’re not only making higher education more accessible and affordable, but also sending a clear message that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. I commend our participating schools for stepping up and playing a vital role in this initiative, ensuring that students have the guidance and resources they need to confidently take this important step toward achieving their higher education goals.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and SUNY is proud to promote College Application Month with Gov. Hochul. We invite prospective students to apply for free from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3 to discover SUNY's excellence and affordability."

City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Waiving application fees is a simple but powerful way to encourage all students to apply to college, especially those who face logistical or financial challenges. College Application Month reinforces our shared commitment to making the admissions process more equitable, and CUNY is proud to stand with Gov. Hochul and our state partners in making higher education, and the promise of a brighter future, more attainable for thousands of New Yorkers.” 

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “College Application Month sends a clear message: College is within reach. By eliminating application fees and providing guidance, we expand access and momentum for students – and our private, not-for-profit campuses stand ready to welcome them.”

New York State Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett said, “New York’s College Application Month is part of the national American College Application Campaign, which has helped over 5 million students submit over 10 million applications since 2005. CAM in New York is coordinated by the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. in collaboration with the State Education Department, SUNY, CUNY, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Proprietary Colleges, and the NYC Department of Education.”

Additional information about New York State College Application Month can be found at hesc.ny.gov/cam.