suny college application fee waiver

Application Fee Waivers

As a premier public university, Binghamton welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds. We understand that some students may face circumstances that make them unable to pay their application fee. Therefore, Binghamton is able to accept specific application fee waivers for students who meet certain criteria demonstrating economic need. Note: International students are not eligible.

Fee waivers are accepted for students who meet at least one of the following indicators of economic need:

• Student’s annual family income falls within SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program Economic Eligibility Guidelines.  Students must accurately report their family income range and household size on the application.
• Student attends a SUNY-designated high school
• Student has received or is eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
• Student is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
• Student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low income families (e.g. TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• Student’s family receives public assistance.
• Student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or is homeless.
• Student is a ward of the state or an orphan.
• Student is veteran/military or military-connected ( see below ).

Binghamton's application fee waiver

Eligible students may submit Binghamton's fee waiver request form . 

Completed fee waiver forms must be emailed to [email protected] .

Transfer students

Binghamton also accepts the following fee waivers:

• NACAC transfer
• SUNY transfer

SUNY waives the $50 application fee for up to seven college choices for transfer students graduating with an AA or AS degree from a SUNY or CUNY two-year college who apply directly to State University four-year colleges for baccalaureate programs.

First-year students

The Common Application Fee Waiver The College Board Fee Waiver ACT Waiver NACAC Fee Waiver  SUNY Fee Waiver 

Veteran/Military and Military-Connected Students

Fee waivers accepted by Binghamton below. Important note:  The required supporting materials depend on the status of the applicant (dependent child, spouse, veteran, active-duty service member or National Guard or Active Reserve member).

SUNY applicants

Common applicants

AmeriCorps Alumni Fee Waiver

If you've completed service through AmeriCorps, including State or National, VISTA and NCCC programs, email   [email protected]   with questions on how to submit a fee waiver.

Payments 

If your request for a fee waiver is denied, follow these instructions to pay your application fee.

Common Application applicants

• First-year applicants: Log in to your online status checker and follow the link to pay or log in to The Common Application to complete this step.
• Transfer applicants: Log in to your online status checker and follow the link to pay or mail in a check or money order for $50 to The Office of Undergraduate Admissions, PO Box 6001, Binghamton, NY 13902 

SUNY Application applicants

• If you applied using the SUNY Application your application will not be sent to Binghamton until full payment or authorized fee waiver is received by the SUNY Application Services Center. For more information, review the Application Fee Questions section 
• Mail SUNY payments and fee waivers to The State University of New York, Application Services Center, PO Box 22007, Albany, NY 12201-2007.

Justin Brymn

Assistant director.

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Last Updated: 12/18/23

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OptomCAS Application Fee Waiver

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The Office of Student Affairs and Admissions at SUNY Optometry is pleased to reinstate its OptomCAS application fee waiver opportunities. We understand the optometry application fees may pose barriers for prospective applicants who wish to apply. The fee waivers intend to minimize this potential barrier in the application process so that all candidates who wish to apply can.

For the current 2023-2024 application cycle, Doctor of Optometry (OD) applicants may be considered for one of the following two OptomCAS application fee waivers:

• One $185 application fee waiver (primary school designation)
• One $75 application fee waiver (secondary school designation)

Although OptomCAS fee waivers are extremely limited and competitive, we do encourage all individuals interested to apply. If you are not awarded a fee waiver, you are still eligible to apply for admission and we look forward to receiving your application. We will update this page once all fee waivers have been awarded.

Eligibility

Open to nation-wide and international candidates. Individuals who believe that their financial circumstances qualify them for an application waiver are eligible. Application fee waivers may only be used toward the current 2023-2024 application cycle, which opens on July 1, 2023, and closes on March 1, 2024.

Application reviews occur on an ongoing, rolling basis. Our Office of Admissions will review applications submitted by the 20th of each month and will announce recipients by the first Friday of the following month until all waivers have been awarded.

Thank you for your feedback!

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LEARN ON YOUR TERMS

What’s the best thing about march you get a $50 application fee waiver by attending an information session.

We’re offering information sessions all month. They’re online, so you can join from anywhere. Attend an information session to learn how to save time and money.

See available Info Sessions

When you attend an information session, you get a $50 fee waiver code that you can use when you apply to SUNY Empire.

About that Degree of Yours

Now you might have some questions or concerns popping up in your mind. That’s what these information sessions are for.

Attend an information session to learn all about:

• The application process
• Admissions requirements
• Financial aid, costs and payment plans
• Important dates and deadlines you need to know
• Transfer credit and credit for prior work/learning experience
• Mentor support for degree-seeking students
• Student support services (ranging from 24/7 online tutoring to free and confidential mental health counseling, and more)

Get your questions answered in one of our live online information sessions.

Register for Info Session

We also have information sessions specially tailored for military-affiliated students.

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE SUNY EMPIRE

Flexibility.

Modern life is fast-paced and busy.

That’s why we make our programs flexible for you.

You can take classes part time, full time, online, in person, or a blend of both.

Plus, you can benefit from our student services, including online and onsite tutoring, career services and special support programs for active military member and veterans.

You have a life. You have responsibilities. You don’t want to drop everything to earn a degree.

At SUNY Empire, your education is on your terms. You can earn a living while you earn a degree. You also have the power to personalize most of our undergraduate programs.

That’s why so many busy adults choose SUNY Empire. And recently, more and more young adults are choosing us too, because they see the benefits of flexible, online education too!

Our online courses are designed to be taught online

The pandemic ushered in new competition looking to launch or expand their online offerings, but SUNY Empire is decades ahead of them. Our classes aren’t traditional classes taught remotely. They’re digitally native, which creates a seamless student experience.

123 Programs to choose from

You might be thinking, “Does SUNY Empire have the program I want?”

Chances are, we do.

You have 123 programs to choose from.

Undergraduate Studies

We offer many different programs, including:

• Criminal Justice
• Educational Studies
• Business Administration
• Human Resource Management

…And a lot more

Most of these are flexible and customizable too, so you get to learn on your terms!

Nursing & Allied Health Programs

We have five online degree programs for nursing and allied health. *

• RN to B.S. in Nursing
• M.S. in Nursing
• Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education
• RN to M.S. in Nursing
• B.S. in Allied Health

*RN certification is required to apply for all nursing programs. For our B.S. in Allied Health, an associate degree and license or certificate in an allied health field is required.

No matter what you’re interested in, or career path you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Hint: You can find out more by requesting information at the bottom of this page.

Our opportunity programs serve students statewide — at all stages of life and learning.

While other opportunity programs focus on first time, full-time freshmen, Empire State offers opportunity programs that span the state and serve every type of student — first-time freshmen, transfer students, and continuing students, full or part time.

We’re proud of our student diversity

Of those who report race or ethnicity, our student population closely maps on to the race and ethnicity of the state of New York. Our students also represent a diverse range of ages — from 15 to 81. And we are a global citizen committed to educational access, creating opportunity for international students to earn a high-quality American degree online and at onsite locations abroad to meet learners where they are, all over the world.

Credit for Your Experience

Do you have credits from other colleges?

What about relevant work or life experience gained outside the classroom? Do you have military training or schooling?

Our Prior Learning Assessments let you demonstrate and earn credit for prior college-level learning.

This can save you time and money for your degree.

More than half of students who complete an associate or a bachelor’s degree at Empire State receive credits from prior learning assessment (PLA).

On average, students who receive PLA credits and complete an associate degree cut their time to degree by 2-3 terms and save approximately $7,000. Students who receive PLA credits and complete a bachelor’s degree can cut their time to degree by 3-4 terms and save more than $10,000.

The Affordability Factor

When it comes to higher education, questions always come up:

• “How expensive is it?”
• “Is it going to put me in massive debt?”
• “Is it even worth it these days?”

Thankfully, a degree with us is a fraction of what you’ll pay for many private and for-profit institutions.

Here’s how our tuition compares to similar schools when it comes to bachelor’s degrees:

School Cost per credit

• SUNY Empire $295 (for New York state residents)
• Southern New Hampshire University $320
• Strayer University $328.89
• Capella University $357/$415 (varies by course level)
• Purdue Global $371
• University of Phoenix $398
• Grand Canyon University $485
• DeVry University $514

Note: Keep in mind that many traditional universities can cost $1,000+ per credit to earn a bachelor’s degree.

We come with SUNY affordability and reputation.

That means high-quality education at the most affordable price possible.

This combination gives you a real return on your investment.

Empire State has ranked first 27 years in a row in student satisfaction among its peer institutions.

Last year alone, Empire State ranked first in 39 areas spanning six categories, from academic-related services and information technology services to campus climate and ancillary services, such as billing and financial aid.

Empire State serves a higher percentage of adult and working learners than any other undergraduate degree granting college in NYS.

81% of our undergraduate students are over the age of 25, and nearly 70% of Empire State students report that they are working full time while they are pursuing their degree.

Online Learning, NOT “On Your Own”

Don’t worry — we won’t leave you lost alone in cyberspace.

At SUNY Empire, you’ll get a personal faculty mentor who will guide and support you from day one to graduation, and beyond.

Every hero has their helper who shows up to support them. Batman had Robin. Frodo had Gandalf. Harry Potter had Hagrid. You have your mentor.

Your mentor is a trusted advisor who will help you develop your degree program, encourage you and give you access to the resources you need to succeed.

Our online student and academic supports are as comprehensive as — often more comprehensive than — those at a traditional college.

Students can access our holistic online student supports anywhere in the world. They include 24/7 online tutoring, interactive learning tools, online student engagement programs, career programming, basic-needs outreach, and free and confidential mental health counseling for all students.

Attend An Information Session

If you read this far, you’re probably interested in continuing your education, right?

So here’s the next step: Attend an information session.

You’ll get personalized information to give you a better idea if we’re a good fit for each other.

Join us for an info session

MEET TONEISHA

Toneisha Colson works, and raises her children, while managing dozens of other responsibilities that are part of daily life. And she does it on her own, as a single mom.

A few years ago, Toneisha had an epiphany. When talking with her children about the importance of education, she says she was forced to take a hard look at herself.

“It dawned on me that I was telling them to focus and learn so they could have a good career, when I was just trying to make ends meet,” Toneisha says. “I had to lead by example, put my money where my mouth was, and practice what I preached. So I called SUNY Empire.”

Toneisha earned her associate degree at SUNY Empire in 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services in June 2019, and now works as an Administrative Assistant. She says she feels like a good example to her two sons in college and her daughter, who consistently makes the high honor roll.

Here’s some words of wisdom from Toneisha on continuing your education:

“You are never too old to learn or go back to school. Don’t let anything or anyone steer you away from your dreams and goals. When you want to give up, remember why you enrolled in the first place. Don’t sell yourself short. You are smart, wonderful, and powerful.”

You Reached the End (of This Page)

The next step is to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.

Just click the button below to register for the information session of your choice.

Talk soon, The SUNY Empire Team

Register now

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Molloy University will be closed until Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

October 05, 2023

College application fees waived for SUNY, CUNY, and some private colleges this month

By Carol Polsky, Newsday

College applications will be free for two weeks starting Oct. 16 through Oct. 29 at all 64 SUNY system schools. CUNY is waiving application fees across all 25 campuses all month for high school seniors in New York City public schools and for all state residents who apply as a freshman between Oct. 16 and 31.

"Removing financial barriers enables students who may not have considered completing an application due to financial constraints to take the first steps of their educational journey," Hochul said in a statement. "I urge all seniors in the state to apply to at least one college this month and make the most of this unprecedented initiative.”

While some community colleges are waiving fees year-round, those on Long Island will waive them for two weeks starting Oct. 16. Admissions to CUNY community colleges is guaranteed to high school graduates.

The private institutions, which include Adelphi and Molloy universities on Long Island, have varying waiver periods . Adelphi, in Garden City, and Molloy, in Rockville Centre, are waiving fees all month long.

"We see this as a wonderful opportunity to help students who may have had difficulty paying an application fee," said Molloy's dean of admissions, Stephen Ostendorff, in a statement. "This will enable them to be considered for admission into a program they otherwise may not have had access to."

Shawana Singletary, assistant vice president and chief enrollment officer at Adelphi, said, “We are actively seeking to engage with students who may not have previously considered Adelphi University."

"Our focused efforts are directed towards engaging with students in New York City, recognizing that not all of them prefer the SUNY or CUNY options," Singletary said. 

This is the second consecutive year that the SUNY system has had the two-week waiver period in the fall, said SUNY spokeswoman Holly Liapis, adding that there have been spring waiver periods in prior years. For the last several years, the system has offered waivers for low-income students in high schools in high-needs areas, and others, too.

SUNY system schools' free waiver period last fall resulted in a surge of applications, according to Stony Brook University, which is admitting its largest first-year class ever. Applications for the 2023-24 school year rose by 24.2% overall at Stony Brook compared to the prior year, while freshmen application rates increased by 23.9% and transfer student applications rose by 26.8%.

The fee waivers are a highlight of the state's College Application Month, part of a growing national observance that began in 2005.

The NY Higher Education Services Corp., SUNY and CUNY will host in-person and virtual events to inform high school students about college options and financial aid, and assist in completing applications. The SUNY events are listed at SUNY.edu/attend/events/ .

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Undergraduate Application Fee Waiver

Purchase College cannot provide fee waivers for applications; however, SUNY and Common App will process fee waivers accordingly.

SUNY Applicants

Waivers are available for:

• Students from designated high schools ( Details below )
• Students facing economic hardship
• Students eligible for EOP
• Military-connected students
• AmeriCorps alumni
• Students graduating with an AA or AS from SUNY or CUNY
• Designated High Schools

Please review the SUNY Application Fee Waiver website for more information.

Designated High School Fee Waivers

SUNY is providing automatic fee waivers for all students at designated high schools, regardless of their household income ( full list of designated schools ). The waiver will be applied when the student applies to a SUNY campus (through both the SUNY Application and the Common App) using the high school’s CEEB.

Common Applicants

Students who have limited financial resources may use the NACAC Request for Application Fee Waiver when applying for college. Aimed at students planning to enroll in postsecondary education immediately following high school graduation, this helps ensure that access to college is possible for all.

Transfer students should utilize the transfer application fee waiver found here . 

Fee waiver forms can be uploaded by school counselors or mailed directly to the Admissions Office. 

Submitting an application fee 

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver and marked yes to receiving one. Students will need to log back into their Common Application and process the application fee.  Once this fee is processed the application can then be reviewed. 

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Counseling and support to continue your education!

Transfer to a four-year college is the goal of most RCC students. To ease this process, RCC offers transfer counseling and guaranteed transfer agreements with numerous public and private four-year colleges.

Graduates of Rockland Community College’s programs have enrolled at more than 360 four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and overseas. Our graduates have been admitted to Yale, Cornell, Amherst, Columbia, Cal Tech, Fordham, NYU, Wesleyan, Georgetown, Brandeis, UCLA, Parson School of Design, and numerous SUNY and CUNY colleges.

Each semester, transfer events are held on campus to encourage Rockland Community College students to make direct contact with representatives of four-year institutions.

Will My Credits Transfer?

This is probably the most commonly asked question by students who are planning to transfer to a four-year school. It is important to note that transferring a Liberal Arts degree generally ensures a smooth transition to most four-year schools. However, there is no automatic and complete guarantee of the acceptance of credits.

Requirements May Vary: While an AA or AS degree is commonly accepted, it may not complete all of the requirements for a specific program or major. For example, a student entering a four-year engineering program may require higher levels of math and physics than was required for their two-year degree. The four-year school may accept pre-calculus, but may apply that credit toward a general elective requirement, leaving the actual math requirement incomplete for junior status.

Research Your Options: There may be severe limits on how credit is applied, or not applied, toward a specific major. Research is the key to an effective transfer process. Otherwise, students may find themselves needing an extra semester of coursework in order to enter into the major of their choice as a junior or spending an extra semester at the end of senior year at the four-year college.

If You Are Planning To Transfer: Begin early! Use our online transfer resources found on this page or contact your Student Success Advisor, located in the Technology Center, Suite 8220. Once you have decided on a school or schools, examine graduation requirements and the general education requirements for those particular schools. Each school has its own set of academic requirements.

Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to ensure they are taking courses that will transfer. Students should be in contact with the admissions offices of their transfer school choices. Many schools have admissions counselors who work primarily with transfer students. Be sure your transcript is evaluated by admissions personnel who can tell you which classes will transfer to their institution as electives, which classes will transfer into your major and give you some idea of which classes to take here.

Transfer can be a daunting task. If you begin early and prepare carefully , however, you can ensure a smooth transition!

Transfer Resources

Below is a list of online resources that can help you research your transfer options.

Transferring to SUNY

• Complete list of SUNY Campuses
• Search all SUNY Degree Programs
• SUNY Campus Transfer Office Directory
• SUNY Course Equivalencies

Transferring to CUNY

• Complete list of CUNY Campuses
• Search all CUNY degree Programs

College and Scholarship Search

• Cappex College and Scholarship Search
• College Board’s Big Future – Search Colleges and Scholarships
• College Insight
• College Navigator
• CollegeNET College Search
• Discover Business – Find Online Business Programs
• Fastweb – Scholarship Search
• Peterson’s College Search

Specialized Mission Colleges

• List of Historically Black Colleges & Universities
• HBCU Scholar Recognition Program
• List of Tribal Colleges & Universities
• List of Hispanic Serving Institutions
• Search for Women’s Colleges

College Applications

• Apply to up to SEVEN SUNY schools with one application. Students who will transfer with an AA or AS degree from Rockland Community College are eligible to have their application fee WAIVED . ( SUNY Transfer Fee Waiver )
• CUNY Undergraduate Admission Application
• Apply to any one of over 600 colleges with a single application
• View Common App transfer tutorials on Youtube
• Coalition Application for Transfer Students

RCC University Center

• Earn your bachelor’s degree on the Rockland Community College Campus through SUNY Empire State College , SUNY Cobleskill  or Bellevue University
• Earn your master’s degree on the Rockland Community College Campus through LIU- Hudson (Long Island University)
• More information on our University Center page

CUNY & SUNY Transfer Sites

Cuny college transfer sites.

An alphabetical  listing of CUNY schools with links to information on transfer requirements to their schools.

Baruch College Baruch is an intellectually vibrant college that attracts some of the New York region’s most capable and highly motivated students. Best known for its superb programs in business and management, Baruch has established a national and international reputation for all-around academic excellence.  Baruch College Transfer Info

Brooklyn College Brooklyn College is an innovative, four-year liberal arts college with a history of academic excellence. From its founding in 1930, the College has offered men and women – immigrants or the children of immigrants, often the first in their families to go to college – the opportunity to receive a first-rate education that leads to productive careers and satisfying lives.  Brooklyn College Transfer Info

The City College of New York Since its founding in 1847, The City College of New York has emphasized two guiding principles: academic excellence combined with access to higher education. The City College of New York is the alma mater of eight Nobel Prize winners and of countless successful individuals in all fields of human endeavor.  The City College of New York Transfer Info

College of Staten Island Academic excellence that enhances students’ intellectual and personal growth, as well as their professional success, is the College of Staten Island’s special mission. Many CSI undergraduates go on to pursue a master’s degree at the College. Doctoral programs, offered in cooperation with the CUNY Graduate Center, are also available.  College of Staten Island Transfer Info

Hunter College Founded in 1870, Hunter is one of the oldest and most distinguished public colleges in the nation. It’s also the largest college in the CUNY system. Hunter provides undergraduate and graduate students alike with first-rate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as in professional fields including education, health professions, nursing, and social work.  Hunter College Transfer Info

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Founded in 1964, John Jay College of Criminal Justice has a special mission focused on programs in criminal justice, fire science, and related public service fields. Although originally conceived to serve as the College of Police Science for members of the New York City Police Department, John Jay has always welcomed civilian students and offers a wide range of courses in the traditional arts and sciences and the humanities, as well as those in related professional disciplines. John Jay College of Criminal Justice Transfer Info

Lehman College Named after Herbert H. Lehman, the legendary New York governor, senator and humanitarian, the College was founded in 1968 and has graduated more than 50,000 men and women who have gone on to achieve distinction in business, government, the arts, social services and many other fields.  Lehman College Transfer Info

Medgar Evers College Founded in 1970, Medgar Evers is CUNY’s newest four-year college. Named in honor of the slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, the College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees. Its mission is to serve the educational, cultural and social needs of the central Brooklyn community.  Medgar Evars College Transfer Info

New York City College of Technology CUNY’s senior college of technology, City Tech has been a model of excellence in urban education since its founding in 1946 as New York City Technical College. Offering a host of new and innovative programs, City Tech is still a pioneering force in higher education. New York City College of Technology Transfer Info

Queens College Queens College provides a first-rate education to New Yorkers from diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. The College opened in 1937 with 400 students and a staff of 40. Today it’s one of the largest colleges of The City University of New York, with a total enrollment of nearly 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students.  Queens College Transfer Info

York College York College provides students with a one-of-a-kind educational experience. It offers many qualities of a major university, including a distinguished faculty and strong pre-professional programs. At the same time, students benefit from individualized attention and a strong sense of community.  York College Transfer Info

SUNY College Transfer Sites

Suny transfer fee waiver.

The State University waives the $50 application fee for up to seven college choices for transfer students graduating with an A.A. or A.S. degree from a SUNY or CUNY two-year college, who apply directly to State University four-year colleges for baccalaureate programs. If you are a transfer student seeking the fee waiver, you must answer “yes” to the first question in the “Transfer History” section of the “Academic History” tab.

Students submitting an application for EOP consideration may qualify for an application fee waiver for their first seven (7) campus choices. If a student does not meet both the academic and economic guidelines or the campus to which the student is applying does not operate an Educational Opportunity Program the student will be billed for the fee.

If you are transferring to the last years of a cooperative program, such as a 2+3 program in engineering, you may also have your fee waived.

Students who are eligible for a fee waiver should select “Fee Waiver” as their payment method. If you request a waiver and are found ineligible you will be required to submit payment before your application will be processed.

Source:  http://www.suny.edu/attend/learn-more/faqs/applysuny-faqs/

College Visitation

Attend a transfer fair, transfer information session, advisor in residence, or instant decision day to assist in your transfer process.

Receipt of final transcripts

For a copy of your final transcripts containing official courses completed and any degrees earned, please contact the Records & Registration . Please note that it is your responsibility to request final transcripts from each college you attended.

Incoming Transfers

Rockland Community College welcomes students who have already completed coursework at other institutions. Records & Registration will evaluate your previous credits based on the degree you intend to pursue at RCC.

• Who Is My Advisor?
• Meet My Advisor
• College Visit Schedule
• Transfer School Quick Guide
• University Center
• Articulation/Transfer Agreements
• TRiO Scholars Program

Contact Information

Student success: transfer services.

Technology Center Suite 8220 845-574-4510 [email protected]

To make an appointment call: 845-574-4306

Incoming Transfer Students: Official College transcripts should be sent to: [email protected]