Applications for State University of New York (SUNY) schools have increased by 110% for Fall 2023, according to the school system. A two-week fee-waiver initiative in November for the state schools may have contributed to the uptick.
During the two-week fee waiver period, students had the opportunity to apply for free to up to five SUNY campuses, for a savings of $250. On average, each applicant applied to two SUNY campuses.
The applications came from New Yorkers and out-of-state students to SUNY campuses. As of November 25, SUNY has seen an increase from 97,257 to 204,437 year-over-year.
SUNY has also seen increases in applications from potential students from other states. SUNY launched an out-of-state tuition match option this application season, where applicants in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, and California are all eligible to receive their in-state tuition and fees at a SUNY school. From that program alone, applications are up nearly 80% for the Fall 2023, and across all states outside of New York, applications are up about 70%.
“SUNY’s fee waiver has been an incredible success and we are encouraged by the increase in potential students taking this step to pursue a college education,” SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said. “Campuses will now be working to ensure that students choose a SUNY school for their academic pursuits, providing them with guidance and financial aid assistance, when necessary.”
