Average yearly tuition and fees in New York are $5,390 for in-state students and $9,340 for out-of-state students — much higher than the $3,730 national average for full-time, in-district students. SUNY charges tuition based on state residency for online programs. However, CUNY charges in-state tuition for all online programs regardless of residency, which helps students save money.
The State of New York enacted the first accessible college tuition program in the U.S. with the Excelsior Scholarship to address affordability. The Excelsior Scholarship provides free community college tuition for approximately 940,000 individuals and families earning less than $125,000 a year. Students who meet the following specific requirements may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship: Established New York residency Enrollment in a SUNY or CUNY community college Completion of 30 credit hours per year Continued residency in New York after graduation Federal financial aid can also help pay for tuition. Students should first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal grants, scholarships, work study programs, or student loans. Federal student loans offer lower interest rates than traditional loans through private lenders and have more flexible repayment options.