New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveils plan for free tuition at the city’s public colleges
Governor of New York Kathy HochulDemocrat, announced on Tuesday a plan to offer free education for certain study programs at state and city colleges.
The governor announced an education proposal during her State of the State address, in which she also promised to give students free school meals, make it harder for hedge funds to buy homes, cut taxes for the middle class and expand the child tax credit.
Under the tuition-free plan, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who enroll in associate degree programs in nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and other fields at colleges operated by the State University of New York and the City University of New York would have their tuition covered .
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Governor Kathy Hochul speaks on the State of the State in 2025, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, NY (Mike Groll/New York Governor’s Office via AP)
The state would also cover the cost of books and other school fees.
“When my dad got a college education, our whole family got a chance at a better life — and I want every New Yorker to have that chance,” Hochul said in a statement. “Under my plan, every New Yorker will have the opportunity to earn a free degree from SUNY and CUNY community colleges to fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.”
Other states have similar tuition programs, and several others offer different discounted tuition rates state faculties.
New Yorkers already have discounted tuition at a vast network of state and city colleges, consisting of nearly 90 schools, and a program that already offers free tuition at the institutions to residents who make less than $125,000 a year.
Governor Kathy Hochul speaks on the State of the State in 2025, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, NY
Hochul also said she wants to address the issue of smartphones in K-12 schools by creating a state standard for distraction-free learning in the state.
In addition, Hochul said she will work to address crime, expand mental health treatment services and strengthen security in the New York City subway system following an increase in violent crime on the subway. This would include plans to add police patrols to night trains and install barriers and better lighting on platforms.
State University of New York at Brockport. (SUNY Brockport)
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The governor’s proposals will be discussed in State Legislature controlled by Democrats.
He is expected to face a Democratic primary next year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
