Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state’s newest effort to extend opportunity to New York students in the 2024 State of the State: Our New York, Our Future by SUNY and CUNY schools directly admitting the top 10% of New York high school students. This initiative would ensure the brightest students in the state remain within its higher education institutions.
“The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) are two of the most effective engines of mobility in the nation, and they are engines of opportunity for young people across New York State.” Tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools is already among the country’s lowest, but this will be another step towards further expanding education opportunities within the state.
Evidence shows that low-income, high-achieving students follow a path towards less selective postsecondary institutions compared to their high-income classmates. Granting direct admission for the top 10% of achieving students will help lessen this gap and reduce obstacles to higher education by diversifying accepted students based on merit.
Both SUNY and CUNY schools will put forth systems to ensure this initiative goes seamlessly. New York is not the first state to implement such a program as Texas, California, Illinois, and Idaho already have related systems in place.
Moreover, Governor Kathy Hochul will suggest new legislation requiring FAFSA or NYS Dream Act application to be completed by high school seniors. Data supports that FAFSA completion leads to a 127% increase in immediate postsecondary enrollment. Texas, Louisiana, and California have had similar requirements, making FAFSA completion a prerequisite to graduate high school.
See what else is on the agenda from the 2024 State of State here.