No-tuition bonanza at CUNY, SUNY

MORE THAN half of CUNY and SUNY’s full-time, in-state students will attend school tuition-free, thanks to a new scholarship program, Gov. Cuomo said Sunday.

The 210,000 students — 53% — who will be off the hook for payment include those who get regular financial aid, Pell grants and the state Tuition Assistance Program, as well as the new Excelsior Scholarship. About 22,000 will have part of their tuition covered by the new scholarship.

The program covers any tuition that remains after other aid is received for students whose families make less than $100,000 a year. The qualifying threshold will climb to $125,000 in two years.

The scholarship does not cover room and board or other fees, and part-time students are ineligible.

“A college degree now is what a high school diploma was 30 years ago — it is essential to succeed in today’s economy. Our first-in-the-nation Excelsior Scholarship is designed so more New Yorkers go to college tuition-free and receive the education they deserve to reach their full potential,” Cuomo said.