Going to college here in New York just got a whole lot more affordable. That’s because it will now be free to families that qualify. That makes the Empire State the first in the country to offer free tuition to state colleges. But as News 4’s Erica Byfield shows us, there are some strings attached.
What to Know
- The program covers tuition at state universities for full-time, in-state students whose families earn $125,000 or less
- Students must pay out of pocket for room, board and other expenses
- Recipients also must remain in New York for as many years as they received the benefit and repay the loan if they move
Listen up. Wednesday marks the first day New York college students can officially begin applying for the state's free college tuition plan.
Gov. Cuomo announced the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Board of Trustees approved Excelsior Scholarship regulations last month.
The initiative covers tuition at state universities for full-time, in-state students whose families earn $125,000 or less. Students must pay out of pocket for room, board and other expenses.
Recipients also must remain in New York for as many years as they received the benefit and repay the money as a loan if they take a job elsewhere.
Cuomo says the board approved regulations that waive or postpone repayment in "cases of extreme hardship," and provide flexibility for military service members and disabled students.
It was a key initiative for the governor.
