The state of New York will spend millions of dollars to boost enrollment and college completion rates at State University of New York (SUNY) campuses.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that SUNY campuses will receive $113 million to “provide the resources needed for the next generation of students seeking a world class education.”
Out of the $113 million, $60 million will be used to enhance enrollment, academic programs, student services, and operational effectiveness.
Campuses receiving funding need to outline how the money will be used to improve enrollment, academic programs, operational inefficiency, and student services. The remaining $53 million will go toward hiring new full-time faculty.
The announcement comes after SUNY enrollment fell over the last decade, including a 10 percent drop since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The SUNY Board of Trustees also approved a three-year rolling application fee waiver for high school students from public high schools in New York, where over 75 percent of the student population is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
“Having a college education matters, even more so today as industries evolve,” SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said. “Our students’ success drives us to do more, and on behalf of our campus leaders and the excellent faculty and staff that support and inspire our students, we are excited for this opportunity.”