Good news for New York State high school seniors.
Over 130 New York State colleges and universities are waiving application fees for high school seniors as part of the 2026 College Application Initiative, according to an announcement today, October 13, 2026, from Governor Kathy Hochul.
Students Encouraged to Apply
New York State is encouraging high school seniors to apply to at least one college. This initiative begins on October 15th through various dates in November, depending on the type of college a student is applying for. This will allow high school seniors more time, resources, and support to explore college options and complete applications.
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New York State high school students will be able to apply for free to SUNY, CUNY, and over 45 participating private colleges and universities during the application fee waiver period.
According to Governor Hochul, college application fees can range from $50 to $90 per application, and those costs can quickly add up for students applying to multiple colleges, so this initiative will help to remove financial barriers and allow students to apply for a broader range of colleges in New York State.
Every New York student should have the opportunity to pursue a college education, no matter their ZIP code or their family’s income. 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. – NYS Governor Kathy Hochul
2026 Application Waiver PeriodsCUNY – New York City Public School Students: September 15 through November 16, 2026CUNY – Students Outside New York City Public Schools: October 15 through November 16, 2026SUNY – October 19 through November 2, 2026Participating New York State Colleges
Last year, more than 300,000 college applications were submitted through CAI, saving students and families more than $15 million in application fees. Of the over 130 New York State colleges to choose from, here are some area colleges participating:
Binghamton UniversitySUNY CortlandSUNY DelhiSUNY OneontaSUNY Broome Community CollegeSUNY Corning Community CollegeSUNY Herkimer Community CollegeTompkins- Cortland Community CollegeIthaca CollegeVarious Cornell University Schools
For a complete list of colleges participating in New York State, visit the NYS Higher Education webpage.
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