On October 22nd, newly appointed NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos joined SUNY Chancellor Féliz V. Matos Rodríquez in Brooklyn Tech’s library to persuade students to apply to colleges and universities in the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems. The distinguished guests handed two assembled classes of Tech students individualized letters detailing the CUNY application process.
Chancellor Rodríquez explained that CUNY is “able to match your personality, interests, and goals.” Chancellor Rodríquez added that no option for NYC students is more affordable than CUNYs.
Social Science Research major SSR Major Deyna Kambourova (‘25) shared that she had known about CUNY for a while, but “didn’t realize how affordable CUNY is, and how many different programs they have to offer.”
Chancellor Aviles-Ramos, who attended The City College of New York for her Masters of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters, had nothing but positive words for the CUNY school system.
“If it were not for them (CUNY), I wouldn’t have been able to become a teacher,” she said.
She highlighted that Tech students are more than welcome at CUNY.
“Finish strongly and you have a seat waiting for you,” she told students.
The affordability and accessibility of CUNY and SUNY schools should make them top contenders on college lists for NYC high school students, but these systems are often overlooked.
SUNY was established in 1948, with CUNY following in 1961. Both institutions were created with the purpose of expanding educational opportunities, specifically for minority groups. The demand for affordable education was growing after the end of WWII, so New York State provided funding to create these schools and provide more accessible education to New Yorkers.
Nationwide, the average student loan debt is around $30,000, with 55% of students from public institutions and 57% from private institutions taking out student loans. According to recent reports, 75% of CUNY graduates have zero dollars in debt, with around 75% attending school tuition-free. Additionally, SUNYs and CUNYs offer “free weeks”, where all application fees are waived, from October 21st to November 3rd for SUNY, and October 21st to November 15th for CUNY.
Most CUNYs and SUNYs do not require any supplemental essays, with exceptions for special programs such as the Macaulay Honors College. This is a huge perk, especially for students who feel overwhelmed writing supplemental essays for 8-12 schools.
“I’m already really busy with school and extracurriculars, supplemental essays can take up too much of my time,” explained Law and Society major Eugene Park (‘25).
In 2024, to increase admissions from NYC students, Governor Kathy Hochul launched the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, which offers direct admission to New York students who graduated in the top 10% of their class, meaning an institution offers students admission without them needing to apply.
In 2019, the Common Application published a study that reported around a 12% increase of enrollment when students were offered direct admission. Enrollment is higher especially when it comes to students of color, low-income students, and first generation students.
To be considered for direct admissions to CUNYs, students must provide their official high school transcript which indicates proof of graduation from high school. SAT or ACT scores are required for admission to baccalaureate programs. For students that graduate in the top 10% of their class, they will receive admission letters to CUNY universities.
