130+ Fee Free Apps For New York’s ‘College Application Month’

On the heels of our recent coverage about SUNY's upcoming 'Free Application Weeks,' New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the return of college application month in the state, for the third consecutive year.

College application season is officially in full swing, and New Yorkers should be aware of these programs that allow for cost-free applications.

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New York Students Can Apply To Nearly 130 Schools For Free

College Application Month has returned and Governor Hochul wants to make sure that New Yorkers know they have options when it comes to the college application process.

Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way. 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.

In addition to SUNY and CUNY schools, there are dozens of private colleges and universities including Vassar and the Culinary here in the Hudson Valley, Fordham and Hofstra, that will offer waived application fees. According to the Governor's Office, the standard college application can run between $50 and $90 per submission.

The waived application fees at more than 100 schools, as part of College Application Month, CAM for short, is only part of the initiative. There will also be virtual and in-person events throughout the month (more than 40 in total) to aid in the college application process. Some supporting FAFSA and TAP completion hosted by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). There are also one-on-one support events to provide assistance not only for students, but to their families as well in order to complete financial aid applications and forms.

READ MORE: More About SUNY's Free Application Weeks

Timelines for Waived Application Fees

A complete list of New York schools participating in the waived application fees during CAM can be found here, along with the dates associated with the waived application fees. When it comes to private colleges and universities, dates for waived fees can vary school to school. For SUNYs, the Free Application Weeks are running October 20th through November 3rd, and for CUNY, from October 27 through November 21st for New York City High School students ONLY, and from November 10th through the 21st for those OUTSIDE New York City.

Dr. Guillermo Linares, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President, in reference to Governor Hochul's support of the initiative, shared the following:

Governor 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.