Bill > A00890

This bill establishes the "New Deal for SUNY: The New York State Higher Education Equality Act," which creates a program to provide free tuition for students attending State University of New York (SUNY) institutions. The bill requires SUNY trustees to implement a tuition waiver program for students who are eligible for resident tuition rates, enrolled in credit-bearing academic coursework, and on track to graduate. Students must maintain academic progress, with a provision for a one-semester exemption, and those not successfully completing coursework in a semester will still be eligible for other grants and scholarships but not the tuition waiver. The bill creates a new State University Tuition Fund to reimburse SUNY for 100% of tuition and student fees for qualifying undergraduate students at senior colleges and community colleges. Additionally, the bill redirects funding from existing tuition assistance programs, Excelsior Scholarships, and other financial aid into this new fund. The tuition waiver is designed as a "first dollar" award, meaning it will be applied before other state or federal grants, and the state will fully reimburse SUNY for the cost of tuition for eligible students. The act is intended to make higher education more accessible and affordable for New York state residents by eliminating tuition costs for students who meet specific academic requirements.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A890