Buffalo
How to Apply to College for Free in New York State
Discover how to apply to nearly 130 colleges in New York State for free during College Application Month this October.
Seth Greene

Seth Greene

Oct 22, 2025

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New York State is making higher education more accessible by waiving application fees at nearly 130 colleges and universities this October.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that both public and private institutions are participating in this initiative, aiming to alleviate financial barriers for prospective students.

 

SUNY campuses are offering free applications from October 20 through November 3, allowing students to apply to up to five campuses without any fees.

 

Similarly, CUNY schools are waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City high school students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.

 

Additionally, numerous private colleges across the state are participating, with varying waiver periods throughout the month.

 

Prospective students should check the specific dates and details for each institution to take full advantage of these opportunities.

 

By removing application fees, New York State aims to encourage more students to pursue higher education without the burden of initial costs.

 

For a comprehensive list of participating colleges and their respective waiver periods, students are encouraged to visit the official New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.

 

Don't miss this chance to apply to your desired colleges for free and take a significant step toward your academic future.

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