For families choosing colleges, the useful distinction is the application charge, not tuition. This initiative does not promise admission or make attendance free. The statewide October–November campaign is not one continuous waiver window at every institution.
HESC lists CUNY waivers for New York City public-high-school applicants from September 15 through November 16, 2026. Its statewide public- and private-high-school window begins October 15 and also ends November 16. Applicants should check which school-based category applies before submitting.
SUNY's period is October 19 through November 2. HESC says each student may receive waivers for applications to five SUNY schools. Independent institutions have differing dates and arrangements; some entries remain unannounced. Use HESC's 2026 participating-college list, then follow the selected campus's instructions rather than assuming every application uses the same waiver process.
Participating high schools can provide counselor help with completing applications. Check admissions requirements separately from the fee-waiver dates. The sources reviewed give calendar dates, not a common cutoff hour or timezone, so this guide does not manufacture a statewide deadline countdown.