Governor Hochul Encourages Students to Take Advantage of College Application Fee Waivers Through 2026 College Application Initiative

13th Annual Initiative Expands to Two Months, Giving High School Seniors More Time To Navigate the College Application Process

Fourth Year of Application Fee Waivers Helps Students Apply to SUNY, CUNY and Participating Private Colleges and Universities at No Cost

Last Year, More Than 300,000 Applications Were Submitted Through the Initiative, Saving New York Students More Than $15 Million in Application Fees

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than 130 colleges and universities across New York State are waiving application fees for high school seniors as part of the 2026 College Application Initiative (CAI). The statewide initiative encourages high school seniors, particularly those from low-income families and first-generation students, to apply to at least one college. Building on more than a decade of helping New York students pursue higher education, CAI will run throughout October and November, expanding from its traditional one-month format to provide students with more time, resources, and support to explore their college options and complete applications.

“Every New York student should have the opportunity to pursue a college education, no matter their ZIP code or their family’s income,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re breaking down barriers at every step — giving students more time and support to complete their applications and waiving fees so families can keep more money in their pockets. New York is making it easier and more affordable for students to take that first step toward a college degree and a brighter future right here in our state.”

For the fourth consecutive year, students can apply for free to SUNY, CUNY and more than 45 participating private colleges and universities during designated application fee waiver periods in October and November. College application fees can range from $50 to $90 per application, and those costs can quickly add up for students applying to multiple colleges. CAI helps remove financial barriers and allows students to apply for a broader range of colleges in New York.

Last year, more than 300,000 college applications were submitted through CAI, saving students and families more than $15 million in application fees.

Governor Hochul has proclaimed October as College Application Month in New York State, underscoring the vital role higher education plays in shaping the futures of students across the state. This proclamation aims to raise awareness of the higher education opportunities available throughout New York and to support students as they pursue their academic goals. In honor of CAI, all state buildings will be illuminated in green and blue on Wednesday, October 21, in a visible show of encouragement for students taking this important step.

The College Application Initiative is led by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York(CUNY), the New York State Education Department(NYSED), the Association of Private Colleges (APC) and theCommission on Independent Colleges and Universities(CICU). This year, more than 700 high schools across New York State are participating in CAI, and nearly 130 public and private colleges and universities are offering application fee waivers.

2026 Application Waiver Periods:

• CUNY – New York City Public School Students:September 15 through November 16, 2026
• CUNY – Students Outside New York City Public Schools: October 15 through November 16, 2026
• SUNY: October 19 through November 2, 2026
• Participating Private Colleges and Universities

A complete list of participating colleges and universities, along with additional information about available application fee waivers.

Resources for Students and Schools

More than 700 high schools across New York State are registered to participate in this year’s initiative, with a shared goal of helping every student complete at least one college application. Participating schools will dedicate time, counselor support, and other resources to guide seniors through the college application process.

HESC provides free resources and support to help students, families and participating high schools navigate the college application process. The opening of the 2027-28 FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) align with the College Application Initiative and provide students with Federal and State financial aid. Plus, the 2027-28 NYS STEM Incentive Program application is now open for high-performing New York high school seniors.

The 2027-28 academic year application for FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is open until June 30, 2028, and those who want to apply for the 2026-27 academic year must submit their application by June 30, 2027. Eligible individuals may also apply for State aid through the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Pathway. 

New York’s College Application Initiative is part of the national American College Application Campaign, coordinated by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. To date, the national campaign, sponsored by ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, has helped nearly 7 million students submit more than 12 million college applications.