New York has become the first state, in the United States, to offer free tuition to college students. The New York state budget, which was recently passed, will now allow some students to go to State University of New York or City University of New York schools free of charge. The recent budget of 153.1 billion dollars will go towards financing post-secondary education for residents of New York through a scholarship named the Excelsior Scholarship.
According to the New York State website, “To be considered a NYS resident for purposes of receiving this award, you must have resided in the State for 12 continuous months prior to the term for which the award is being sought.” This is just one of several requirements to be eligible for this award. There is also a financial requirement for those who would like to receive the scholarship. The website said, “For the 2017-18 academic year, your federal household adjusted gross income can total up to $100,000 to be eligible. For 2018-19, that amount increases to $110,000, and beginning in 2019-20 and beyond, your family’s adjusted gross income can total up to $125,000.”
Another requirement for the scholarship is that once a student completes their education, they must stay in the state for the same amount of time they were in school and received the scholarship. The website said, “An Excelsior Scholarship recipient can receive up to $5,500 from the Excelsior Scholarship, minus any amounts received for TAP, Pell or other scholarships. The remainder of your tuition charge will be covered through a tuition credit paid through SUNY or CUNY.”
Some students at PV have mixed feelings about the scholarship program. Jordyn Haessler, senior, said, “I think that this scholarship is a really good opportunity for those who cannot afford to go to college. I think that it is good that they have a salary cap on the eligibility, but I think that it is a little ridiculous that you have to stay in New York after you finish school.”
Rebecca Abdullah, junior, said, “I support this act of the State of New York because it motivates students to continue their education. Students are often set back by the financial commitment that is required to attend a university which often restricts them from following the career they desire. Students should have easier access to further their education past a high school degree, and I think this is the first step towards making that happen.”
