On June 9th, the City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees authorized a waiver of application fees for seniors graduating in 2026 from New York City (NYC) and New York State (NYS) high schools. The initiative, launched during “CUNY month,” and the application fee waiver campaign first took place in October 2023 and again in October 2024.
This October marks the third consecutive year that Governor Hochul proclaims October as College Application Month (CAM). Starting Oct. 27th for NYC high schools and Nov. 10th for NYS high schools, students will be able to apply to 20 CUNY colleges for free until Nov. 21st.
In a statement given to The Knight News, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Vivek Upadhyay said that Queens College is “expanding early outreach, increasing high-school engagement during the CUNY fee-waiver period and launching a more data-driven, personalized recruitment campaign. The college will focus on earlier application support, stronger digital marketing and enhanced communication with eligible prospective, transfer and graduate students to convert interest into enrollment more effectively.”
During this period, CUNY colleges are hosting open houses, campus tours and financial aid workshops to engage with potential students.
According to the CUNY Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes from June 9th, “The University received 55,050 freshman applications during the Fall 2024 fee waiver campaign, which ran between October 21 and November 15, 2024. This represented a 62% increase in applications received compared to the previous year’s inaugural fee waiver period. The University anticipates continued success with an increased volume of students applying earlier in the application cycle, enabling colleges to engage with their applicants and increase the conversion of admitted to enrolled student[s].”
As a part of CAM, prospective students can apply to CUNY colleges, The State University of New York (SUNY) colleges and other private colleges and universities for free, giving students the opportunity to apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities free of charge.
In addition, the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) plans to host over 40 events to inform students about financial aid options — such as the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) — during CAM.
CAM furthers Governor Hochul’s efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Governor Hochul said in an Oct. 6th HESC press release.
Governor Hochul further stated, “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.”
High school seniors graduating in 2026 interested in applying to CUNY colleges can learn more and apply here. They can also find the complete list of colleges participating in CAM here.
