Enacts tuition-free NY to provide free tuition at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to enacting "Tuition-Free NY"

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide for free tuition at the State University of New York and City University of New York for qualifying students.

Summary of specific provisions

Tuition at all two and four-year SUNY and CUNY institutions will be tuition-free including school fees should qualifying students meet a number of conditions, most notable of which are: (1) 25 hours of community service per year for non-STEM degrees or 125 hours of community service per year and (2) a New York residency and workplace requirement following graduation.

Any student eligible for resident tuition rates is eligible for this program. Any student that fails to meet the conditions set forth in the program will have their benefit turn into a student loan.

Justification

Through rising higher education costs and skyrocketing student loan obligations, college has become unaffordable for some and a huge financial burden for many more. Tuition-Free NY will help ensure that anyone who wants to attend a two or four-year SUNY or CUNY institution is able to, regardless of individual or family income. Further, billions of dollars in volunteerism will be generated as well as additional state and local revenue from graduates staying in New York who would otherwise leave (e.g. sales tax, income tax, homeownership). Last, but certainly not least, graduates will have additional disposable income that would otherwise have gone to big bank lenders that will be injected into local economies.

Prior legislative history

This bill was previously introduced.

Fiscal implications

Impact beginning on the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided, however, effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.