Applications for
State University of New York schools for next fall have more than doubled over
this time last year.
SUNY says
it has seen a more than 110% year-over-year increase as of Nov. 25
– from 97,257 to 204,437.
Suny attributes
the increase largely due to its first-ever two-week fee waiver period last
month that saved applicants up to $250.
Out-of-state applications
also rose by 80% under a new policy that reduces tuition for applicants from
eight states - matching tuition and fees to in-state tuition.
The
out-of-state tuition match option makes applicants in
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Illinois and California eligible to receive in-state
tuition and fees at a SUNY school.
Interim SUNY Chancellor Deborah F.
Stanley said, “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. 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. New York State has significantly
invested in higher education as a driving force for its economy, and we want to
make sure all New Yorkers can avail themselves of a high-quality, affordable
education across our state.”