Applications now available for $6,000 private tuition discount

ALBANY — Applications are now available for a new state program that could help private college students shave $6,000 off their tuition bill this fall.

The Enhanced Tuition Award is available at 30 participating colleges and universities around New York, including the College of Saint Rose in Albany, for students from families earning less than $100,000. Like the state's new free tuition program for public college students, the income threshold will eventually increase to $125,000 in 2019.

The number of participating colleges may increase in coming years because the program had a late start this year compared to most financial aid programs. It was negotiated and finalized during the state budget process, which concluded in early April. The applications didn't go live until Friday.

"This is essentially a pilot year for the program as colleges and universities work closely with state agencies to hammer out details," said Mary Beth Labate, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, which represents more than 100 private campuses across the state.

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