2026 NYS Colleges Waiving Application Fees

Each year, HESC partners with more than 600 high schools across the state to encourage students to apply to at least one college. That outreach connects your institution with motivated applicants who might otherwise hesitate due to the cost of applying. Last year alone, New York families saved more than $15 million in application fees. This was made possible by nearly 130 colleges and universities across New York waiving application fees, including every SUNY and CUNY campus statewide.

We encourage your institution to join CAI by waiving application fees for students during October and November. Participating institutions may choose the dates and structure of their fee waiver, such as waiving fees during a designated period or for a specified number of applicants.  

Listing of Colleges Participating Coming Soon!