Bill > S02049

This bill, known as the "New Deal for SUNY: The New York State Higher Education Equality Act," establishes a comprehensive program to provide free tuition for students attending State University of New York (SUNY) institutions. The bill creates a state university tuition fund that will reimburse SUNY for the full cost of tuition and student fees for undergraduate students who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, students must be admitted to a state-operated SUNY institution, be eligible for resident tuition rates, and be enrolled in credit-bearing academic coursework while maintaining progress toward graduation. Students who do not successfully complete coursework in a semester will remain eligible for other grants and scholarships but will lose the tuition waiver for that semester. The program includes a one-semester exemption allowance for students who might temporarily struggle academically, and ensures that students can still access other financial aid. Additionally, the bill redirects existing tuition assistance program (TAP) awards and Excelsior Scholarship funds into the new state university tuition fund. The legislation aims to make higher education more accessible by eliminating tuition costs for eligible SUNY students, with the state fully reimbursing the university for these expenses, effectively creating a "first dollar" award system that does not reduce other potential financial aid a student might receive.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2049